Now Reading: 3 detained for burning leopard caught in snare in Karnataka’s Tumakuru
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3 detained for burning leopard caught in snare in Karnataka’s Tumakuru
Three farmers from Gauragondanahalli village in Karnataka's Tumakuru district have been detained for allegedly burning a leopard that was caught in a snare trap set around a ragi field, forest officials said…
Three farmers from Gauragondanahalli village in Karnataka's Tumakuru district have been detained for allegedly burning a leopard that was caught in a snare trap set around a ragi field, forest officials said on Saturday. The accused have been identified as Narayanappa, GD Shivakumar, and Chandreshakar.
The incident, which was recorded on video and shared on local WhatsApp groups, triggered outrage. Acting on a tip-off, forest officials raided the spot on Friday afternoon, recovering charred meat and burnt remains. The three were produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody.
The leopard, a Schedule-I animal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, had got caught in the snare two days ago. The accused admitted to burning the animal. Samples from the carcass have been sent to a forensic lab in Hyderabad. More arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The case underscores a recurring conflict between farmers and protected wildlife in Karnataka's semi-arid districts, where crop raids by wild boars, peacocks and leopards are common. Leopards, being Schedule-I under the Wildlife Protection Act, carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. Farmers often resort to illegal snares or electric fences out of desperation, despite helplines and compensation schemes. The forest department's advisory to inform officials instead of taking matters into their own hands has had limited reach. The next key date is after next Monday, when the forensic report from Hyderabad is expected. That report will determine whether additional accused are arrested and what charges are filed.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
