Shahtoosh shawl trader sentenced to 3 years imprisonment

In April 2012 a person from Jammu & Kashmir was detained at New Delhi airport with 13 shahtoosh shawls when he returns from Dubai and a case was registered under Wildlife Protection Act. The trial court now convicted the accused and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and a fine of Rs. 12,500/- for the offence u/s 49 of Wild Life (Protection) Act punishable U/s 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Convict is further sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and a fine of Rs. 12,500/- for the offence u/s 49- B(1) of Wild Life (Protection) Act punishable U/s 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In default of payment of fine, the convict shall liable to further undergo simple imprisonment for three months. Both the sentences shall run concurrently.

Nepali national sentenced to five years imprisonment in tiger bone smuggling

In May this year a Nepali citizen from Humla district was arrested by CBI in Delhi for smuggling tiger bones which was procured from Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. Trial court had now convicted the accused and sentenced him to 5 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹50,000 fine.

Store manager sentenced for selling shahtoosh shawls

In December 2009, CBI had seized 3 shahtoosh shawls from Kashmir Govt Arts Emporium in Delhi and a case was registered under Wildlife Protection Act against its Manager. After the trial a court in Delhi was found guilty in accused and sentenced him to 3 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹50,000 fine.

Himalayan Tahr poachers convicted

3 poachers including a citizen of Nepal were convicted by a court in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand for killing 2 Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in December last year. During the investigation forest officials were recovered the meat and 2 country-made guns from accused. All three accused were sentenced to three years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine each.

Murder of constable and leopard skin seizure - main accused acquitted

In April 2016 during a raid in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, a constable of Special Task Force of police was shot dead by illegal wildlife traders and police managed to seize a leopard skin and deer antlers. A case has registered against four persons, during the trial 3 accused were used the option of plea bargaining and court sentenced them to 1 year and 8 months imprisonment. Trial against main accused was concluded and Sessions Court had acquitted him.

Tiger poachers convicted

In January 2016 a tigress was electrocuted by poachers in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, 8 people were arrested in this connection. A local court has now convicted all the accused, 6 of them sentenced to 3 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine each and other two were sentenced to 1 year rigorous imprisonment and ₹5,000 fine each.

Seizure of Molluscs, accused convicted in Haridwar

In August 2009 district police of Haridwar raided a shop and seized 123 Molluscs including 14 pieces of  Cassis cornuta which are listed under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act. A case has registered against shopkeeper, now a court in Haridwar district had convicted the accused and sentenced him to 3 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine.

One year imprisonment for illegal entry into tiger reserve

A court in Nainital district convicted a person from Fatehgarh district of Punjab for unauthorized entry into core area of Corbett tiger reserve with one bottle of poison in November 2017 and sentenced him to 1 year rigorous imprisonment.

Person caught with ivory piece convicted

In December 2012, Uttarakhand police seized an elephant ivory piece in Nainital district and arrested a person. After the trial a court in Nainital district had convicted the accused and sentenced him to 3 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine.

Killers of Rajaji tiger convicted

In February 2013, two forest dwellers were poisoned a tiger in Rajaji tiger reserve, Uttarakhand. After the trial CJM court in Pauri had convicted both the accused and sentenced them to 3 years rigorous imprisonment and Rs. 10,000 fine each.

Three people convicted and sentenced to 5 years in leopard skins smuggling

In June 2001, Uttarakhand forest department had seized 6 leopard skins at Haridwar district and a case was registered against 5 persons. During the search of home at one of the accused, leg of barking deer, sambar antlers, porcupine quills and horns of Himalayan Tahr were also recovered. After the trial a court in Haridwar was convicted three persons and sentenced them to 5 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹15,000 fine each. The other two were acquitted.

Sariska poaching: 5 years imprisonment for leopard killing

A poacher arrested in 2005 confessed that he had killed a leopard in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan on around two and a half years back. Evidences were collected and a case was registered against three persons. One accused had died during the trial, rest of the two (including a person from Panipat district, Haryana) were now convicted by a court in Alwar and sentenced them to 5 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹70,000 & ₹25,000 fine each.

Nepali citizen convicted in leopard skin seized case

In January this year SoG of Uttarakhand police arrested a Nepali national with a leopard skin in Pithoragarh distict, after the fast trial CJM court had convicted the accused and sentenced him to four years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine.

Leopard skins seizure: Appeal filed by convict rejected

An appeal filed by the convict against the sentencing of three years imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine was rejected by Sessions Court in Panchkula, Haryana. The case was pertains to the seizure of 4 leopard skins by CBI in June 2016.

Bison poaching in tiger reserve, 1 convicted

In July last year Melghat tiger reserve (Maharashtra) officials were arrested a person (11 are still absconding) in connection with killing of a Gaur (Indian bison). After the trial a court in Amravati district had convicted the accused and sentenced him to 3 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹50,000 fine.

Court noted that "It needs to be noted that the present case is of hunting of a wild animal. It is a crime against the nature and natural wealth which has to be preserved at any cost. The offence is serious and the accused is not of young age who does not understand the consequences of his act. Even though he is illiterate, the gravity of killing a wild animal like Bison can be understood and he not only killed the said animal but ate it after cooking. Hence the accused cannot be shown any leniency.
However, considering age of the accused which is about fifty years and the fact that he could not say much in this regard, it would be just to give him minimum punishment provided under Wildlife (Protection) Act."

Tiger bone seizure: Five years imprisonment to 3 persons

In June 2015 Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and STF of Uttar Pradesh police were seized approximate 11 kg of tiger bones including 2 skulls from Bijnore district when they were investigating a previous wildlife crime case registered in Delhi on September 2013.  After the trial a court in Delhi had convicted 3 accused and acquitted 1 person. Convicted persons were sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for five years and a fine of Rs. 20,000/- each.

Court noted that expert witness who has stated that on the basis of lab analysis, the case property was concluded as that both the skulls are of Tiger (Panthera tigris). Witnesses have totally supported the case of the prosecution regarding the recovery of tiger bones and also they all are corroborating each other on all material aspects and there are no major inconsistency or contradictions in their statement. Their statements on record are found to be cogent, inspires the confidence of the Court and there is no reason to disbelieve the same.

During sentencing court pointed that “Despite best efforts put in by the Government of almost all the countries across the globe, wild life offences are not coming down. Such case needs to be dealt with strictly to curb the wild life offences. Moreover, tiger is our National Animal and killing of our national pride should be dealt with iron hands. Convicts have committed offence of the greatest magnitude against the wildlife.”

No sighting of tigers at Palamau tiger reserve since February

Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand has not seen any tiger or found any evidence of it after February this year, the last formal big cat count at this habitat - six - made in September 2017 by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, now seeming too good to be true. Baresarn range of the PTR last saw a tiger on camera this February, said its ranger Bhola Prasad. No tiger was trapped on camera, not any pugmark or any scat found after that, PTR officials admit. Also, the habitat's Tiger Protection Force (TPF) has no clue where the big cats could have gone.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/tigers-vanish-from-palamau-reserve-241990

Critically Endangered - Great Indian Bustard electrocuted

A Great Indian Bustard (GIB), died after hitting a high-tension wire at Ramdeora closure in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan on 27 June 2018. This is the fourth GIB, locally known as ‘godawan’, that has died in this manner in last one year.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/another-gib-dies-after-hitting-high-tension-wire/articleshow/64770342.cms

Rhino poacher sentenced to 7 years imprisonment

The Court of Additional Sessions Judge, Golaghat, Madhurjya Narayan, sentenced Manik Das of Sonitpur district to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of seven years and also to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 and in default of payment of fine, he will have to undergo simple imprisonment of another three months under Section 51 of Wildlife Protection Act read with (Assam Amendment) Act 2009 for killing a rhino. On January 10, 2015 one bullet-ridden carcass of rhino was recovered on the northern side of Khainala of Chibe Chapori under Sixth Addition of Kaziranga National Park.
https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam-7-years-rigorous-imprisonment-rhino-poacher.html

Three years imprisonment for Chinkara poachers

A court in Beohari had convicted three persons for killing a Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) in Shahdol district, Madhya Pradesh on August 2015. The accused were sentenced to three years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine each.

Three poachers convicted for elephant poaching in Tamil Nadu

The court of District Munsif -cum- Judicial Magistrate in Kotagiri, Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu had convicted three people for killing an elephant and removing its tusks in July 2011 at Nilgiris North forest division. Three convicts were sentenced to 3 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine each for violating Wildlife Protection Act and a fine of ₹500 each for violating Tamil Nadu Forest Act. Out of fine ₹14,000 has been ordered to reward the persons who renders assistance in the detection of the offence/ the apprehension of the offenders u/s 60A(1) of Wildlife Protection Act.

Three persons convicted in sand boa smuggling

A court in Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh had convicted three people for smuggling a sand boa snake in July 2012 and sentenced them to 1 year imprisonment and ₹250 fine each.

5 persons convicted in tiger poaching and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment

Five people whom were shot and injured a tiger using muzzle loader gun (animal later died during treatment) in North Betul forest division, Madhya Pradesh on April 2017 were convicted by CJM - Hoshangabad and sentenced them to 7 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine each.
Read the judgement: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UCDZN64EJRXGjLjI6e4Pz7S7ELtavQcA

Three years rigorous imprisonment for killing a hare

A person who was hunted a hare with the help of dog in August 2014 at Balaghat North forest division, Madhya Pradesh was convicted by court. Accused was sentenced to three years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine.

Three years imprisonment for person caught with bear gall bladder

A court in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand had convicted a person who was arrested with a bear gall bladder in October 2012. Court had sentenced him to three years imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine.

3 years imprisonment for smuggling of owl, leopard and Musk deer body parts

In September last year, Uttarakhand Forest department arrested two persons with 1 owl and body parts of leopard and musk deer in Rudraprayag district. After the trial CJM Rudraprayag had convicted one of the accused and sentenced him to three years imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine. Case against other accused is pending.

Haryana: Appeal filed by convicts allowed in black buck poaching case

Appeal filed by six convicts against the verdict of Special Environment Court in connection with killing of black buck and hares was allowed by Sessions court, Faridabad. The case was related to former Indian cricket captain (case against him was abated by lower court during the trial stage) and reported from Jhajjar district of Haryana on June 2005. 

Rhino horn smuggling: Five accused sentenced to five years imprisonment

In October 2016 Jaldapara Wildlife officials, West Bengal were seized a rhino horn, tooth and hooves and arrested five persons, in addition to the wildlife goods forest officials also seized an AK-47 rifle with magazine and 46 nos. of live cartridges. After the trial a local court in Alipurduar district were convicted all five accused and sentenced them to five years imprisonment and ₹20,000 fine each.

During the sentencing court observed that “As a Court of Law, we should be careful that actions taken by the Courts send message to the society that no one is above law and anyone, intending to break law would be punished adequately. The offence involved in this case is very serious in nature and the Act provides for punishment for a term not less that three years but which may extend to seven years and for fine not less that ten thousand rupees. In such a case, adopting any lenient view would send message to the wrongdoers to feel encouraged in destroying and killing wildlife animals rendering them further extinct and the purpose of the Act of 1972 would be frustrated.”

Sansar Chand's brother discharged in big wildlife seizure case

In January 2005 Delhi police raided a warehouse and seized 2 tiger skins, bones, paws, 38 leopard skins, 1 snow leopard skin, 42 otter skins etc. and a case was filed against Sansar Chand, his family members and his employees. During the trial Sansar's brother Narain and one of the co-accused were discharged by court. “None of the recovery witnesses have stated any incriminating evidence against accused no. 6 Narain and accused no. 7 Preetam. Hence, there are not sufficient material to frame charge against the accused no. 6 Narain and accused no. 7 Preetam. Both stands discharged for the offences alleged against them.”

Madhya Pradesh: Case against forest officials in black buck poaching case

Madhya Pradesh forest department’s special task force (STF wildlife crime) has booked four forest department employees for letting off four of the seven alleged poachers roam scot free in a black buck poaching case. “During our investigation we found serious dereliction of duty, misuse of official position, taking money from the suspected poachers, changing the seized weapon of one of the accused with another weapon, producing only three people in the court instead of seven they had caught initially”, the official said.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/blackbuck-poaching-case-mp-s-stf-wildlife-crime-books-four-forest-officials/story-hd0fajDi3ZWdZ5wzlCcGsM.html

Karnataka: Accused were acquitted in elephant electrocution cases

Recently a Sessions court in Mysuru were acquitted the accused in two separate elephant electrocution cases registered in Mysuru district, in both cases police was the complainant. Offence was reported on June 2012 and January 2016 respectively.

Court found out that in both cases complainant were failed to collect material evidence to show that the accused was the owner of the land where the elephants were found dead due to electrocution. In addition to that in both cases with regard to the offence punishable under Section 9 r/w Section 51 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is concerned, the I.O. has not obtained the proper sanction from the concerned Authority under Section 55 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Therefore, the cognizance of the offence punishable under Section 9 r/w Section 51 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is not sustainable under Law.

Shahtoosh shawl traders sentenced to three years imprisonment

In February 2003, CBI team had raided a shop in Hotel Le-Meridien in Delhi and seized 26 shahtoosh shawls, 2 persons were arrested. After the trial court had convicted the accused and sentenced them to undergo SI for three years and are also sentenced to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/- each for the offence u/s 51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act for the contravention of Section 49 and 49B(1) of the Act.

Seizure of 8 leopard skins, accused acquitted in Delhi

In February 2009 Crime Branch of Delhi police seized 5 leopard skins in Delhi and arrested two persons. On further investigations with wildlife officials, 3 more leopard skins and traps were seized from Himachal Pradesh. After the trial a court in Delhi had acquitted both the accused.

In one of the observation court noted that “More so, as per Manual on Wildlife Species in Trade, 1^st Edition prepared by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Government of India, there are procedural guidelines for identifying the wildlife species. Its Preface specifically provides that the agencies may note that similar and mere resemblance cannot be taken as confirmatory. Additional test like morphological, microscopic analytical and forensic tests may have to be undertaken for legal action. It is further provided in the Manual that for identifying the skin of leopard, the hair signature pattern of leopard can be identified if it is having the following pattern: color cremish brown, culticular scale pattern imbricate, medulla-Continuous, Medullary Index-0.657. Admittedly, in the present case no such test were conducted by the complainant and the above mentioned characteristics were also not proved being found on the recovered skins. The expertise of PW3 in identifying the recovered skins has not come on record. It is common knowledge that nowadays with the advent of new technologies fake skins can be prepared with the help of synthetic fibers which might be having same feel and texture as of a natural skin. In the absence of chemical analysis/forensic examination of the skins, it cannot be said with certainty that the recovered skins were of leopard. The complainant has failed to prove the same.”

Hog deer poachers convicted in Assam

A court in Darrang district of Assam had convicted the poachers for killing a hog deer near Orang National Park in February 2012.

Shahtoosh shawl trader sentenced to three years imprisonment

In February 2001 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a raid at South Extension, New Delhi and seized 70 suspected shahtoosh shawls. After forensic analysis it is identified that 30 were shahtoosh shawls and a case was registered against shawl trader. After the trial a court in Delhi had convicted the accused and sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment for three years and a fine of Rs.10,000/-

Two persons convicted in tiger poaching

In 16 February 2008 a tiger was found injured in Compartment Number 463, Unchehara range of Satna forest division, Madhya Pradesh. Early next day tiger was rescued and taken to Van Vihar for treatment. Unfortunately animal was died during treatment on 22 February 2008. During the investigation it was found that tiger was shot by poachers and bullet was removed from body. A case was registered against 4 poachers in which two were arrested and two absconded. After the trial Chief Judicial Magistrate of Satna had convicted two arrested accused and sentenced them to three years rigorous imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine each.

Six months imprisonment for killing wild boar

The court of Judicial Magistrate First Class -Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh had convicted a person for killing a wild boar in August 2017 and sentenced the convict to six months rigorous imprisonment and ₹1,000 fine for violating section 39(3) and another six months rigorous imprisonment and ₹1,000 fine for violating section 35(6) of Wildlife Protection Act. Both sentences shall run concurrently.

Three years imprisonment for shahtoosh shawls smuggling

In August 2009 Wildlife Inspector of WCCB examined one shipment consisting of 27 bales claiming to be woolen blended pashmina shawls at Indira Gandhi International Air Cargo Complex, New Delhi. On examination, inspector suspected 4 shawls to be of shahtoosh and advised customs to detain the consignment. The shawls were seized and a case under Wildlife Protection Act was registered. In forensic examination 4 shawls were found containing hair of Tibetan Antelope or Chiru (Panthlops hodgsoni). After the trial ACMM Court- Delhi had convicted the accused from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir and sentenced him to undergo Simple Imprisonment for three years and he is also sentenced to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000/- for the offence u/s 51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act for the contravention of Section 49 and 49B(1) of the Act and in default simple imprisonment for one month.

Rhino shot dead in Jaldapara, 6 arrested with horn

A gang of poachers, including a "sharp shooter" from Arunachal Pradesh and a teacher, sneaked into the Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal and shot dead an adult female rhino on 5 February 2018, sawing away its horn.  Foresters could nab six of them and recovered the horn. Also, a rifle that they had buried in the forest, and live bullets, were also found.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/six-held-over-rhino-poaching-206976

Chinkara poachers sentenced to three years imprisonment

The court of Judicial Magistrate First Class-Betul, Madhya Pradesh had convicted two people for killing a Chinkara (Indian gazelle) in Multai Range on August 2013 and sentenced them to three years imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine each.