Dog squad helps trace suspects; four claws recovered, action initiated under Wildlife Protection Act
Raipur, Sept 2026: The Forest Department in Chhattisgarh has intensified action to protect wildlife and prevent illegal hunting, following directions from Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap. In a case involving the removal of claws from a dead bear in the Marwahi Forest Range of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, the department acted swiftly and arrested two suspects. Four claws of the bear were recovered from their possession.
Incident Detected During Inspection
The Forest Department received information on September 3 about a dead bear in compartment number 2035 of the Usadh area under the Marwahi Circle. A forest team immediately reached the spot and conducted an inspection. It was found that four claws from the bear’s rear right paw were missing.
Considering the seriousness of the incident, the Forest Department launched an intensive search and investigation with the assistance of a dog squad to trace those responsible.
Two Suspects Arrested
During the operation, the forest team apprehended two suspects — Sudर्शन Yadav, 54, and Suraj Sahis, 20, both residents of Barour village. Four claws belonging to the dead bear were recovered from their possession and formally seized.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against the accused under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and they are being produced before the court.
Bear Died of Lung Infection
After completion of the search and necessary legal procedures, a post-mortem examination of the bear was conducted in the presence of a team of veterinary doctors. The veterinarians, in their preliminary assessment, attributed the bear’s death to an acute lung infection.
Following the post-mortem, the carcass was cremated in accordance with established procedures. Marwahi Divisional Forest Officer Kumar Nishant and other Forest Department officials and personnel were present during the proceedings.
Forest Department Appeals to Citizens
The Forest Department has appealed to citizens not to interfere with the carcass or body parts of any wild animal found dead and to immediately inform the nearest Forest Department office.
The department has also urged local residents to promptly report any information regarding forest offences, illegal hunting or suspicious activities involving wildlife to the nearest Forest Department office.
The department emphasised that protecting wildlife is a collective responsibility and that the participation of local communities can further strengthen conservation efforts.
