Following the recent seizure of seven leopard pelts and bones in one case, the Garhwal divisional forest officer Ramesh Chandra has suspended the Tripalisain forest guard Kailash Kala. In this case of the leopard pelts and bones, the wildlife contraband is believed to have been sourced from the interior area of Thalisain Tehsil in Pauri district.
It will be recalled that few days ago on January 26, the Kotdwar police and special operation group team had arrested four persons with the seven leopard pelts and bones near lalpani along the Pauri-Kotdwar national highway. The district superintendent of police, Rajeev Swaroop has appointed SHO lalagargh, Narendra Gahlawat as investigating officer in this case. The case also elicited focus on the shortcomings especially of the Forest department, which have affected the level and efficiency of wildlife security and environmental conservation to an alarming extent.
The forest department also claims to have taken serious cognizance of this case and has also set up its own investigation of the case. The forest department had taken the six apprehended men in custody for interrogation on Thursday. The Garhwal DFO Ramesh Chandra said the interrogation was conducted by the investigating officer of the case, but there are some contradictory statements of the investigating officer and the DFO concerned.
The investigation officer said that he had not interrogated the apprehended persons, but stressed said that the investigation is in progress with one clue being found to work on. The investigation is being carried out in to varied aspects with the officials concerned stating that every suspect person will be interrogated if needed even if the person in question is an employee of the forest department.
The Garhwal forest sub-divisional officer Subodh Kala said that the smuggling of leopard pelts and bones is a cause of considerable concern. Though the involvement of department personnel cannot be ruled out in the initial stage of the investigation, the DFO Ramesh Chandra stated that a breakthrough will be achieved in the case in the near future. However, he refused to elaborate further on the case.
According to sources, it is presently being reported that the forest guard posted in Triplalisain has been away from his post at Tripalisain since January 26 and has still remained absent from duty. Observers point out that considering the general principle that contraband seizures by the authorities amount to about 10 per cent of the total contraband trade in wildlife, the State of wildlife security in Uttarakhand appears to be affected by various gaps. Already known to be a hub in northern India for poaching and trade of leopard pelts, bones and related wildlife contraband, Uttarakhand faces varied challenges for ensuring the required level of wildlife security and environmental protection, state the observers.