Suspected Hunter Apprehended with Deceased Uttar Pradesh State Bird, Accomplice Evades Capture
Noida: Law enforcement officials reported on Friday that a suspected hunter has been taken into custody after being found in possession of a deceased Sarus crane, the official state bird of Uttar Pradesh, in Greater Noida. The incident occurred during a patrol conducted by local police along the Chachura border within the Rabupura police station jurisdiction of Gautam Buddh Nagar district on Thursday evening.
According to a police spokesperson, the apprehension transpired when officers intercepted two individuals riding a motorcycle with registration UP 13 AP 0979. Acting on a tip-off, the police discovered that they were transporting the lifeless Sarus crane. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had ensnared the crane using a noose around its neck after spotting it in the nearby jungle of Myana village.
The individual identified as Risiya, aged approximately 35 and hailing from Amroha, was successfully apprehended. However, his partner named Kamal managed to evade capture, prompting ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend him. Kamal is a native of Aligarh, as disclosed by law enforcement authorities.
An FIR (First Information Report) has been registered under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, marking a legal response to this incident.
Designated as the official state bird of Uttar Pradesh in 2014 due to its dwindling global population, the Sarus crane serves as a focal point for conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding its habitat and population. Classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Sarus crane holds the distinction of being the tallest flying bird in the world.
