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.”
