John Wilbert
Port Blair, Feb 01: The Protection Range under Wildlife Division, Port Blair had recently apprehended Mr. Sunni, Mrs. Yasodha resident of Dairy farm and Mr. Y.Ramesh resident of Junglighat for illegal poaching of Giant Grouper / Queensland Grouper fish (Epinephelus Lanceolatus, Block 1790 ) protected under schedule -1 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The apprehended persons were produced in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Port Blair, from where the main accused was sent to judicial custody by order.
Mr. Manjeet Singh Bohra, Dy. Ranger along with Mr. Mohammed Hanifa, of Protection Range while on patrolling on 21 January 2019 at evening around 4:00 PM had intercepted an share auto AN01 E 3568 carrying suspected large fish measuring 2 mtr, approximately 170 Kg, at Bathubasti, Port Blair. Upon failing to produce permit for possessing banned fish, two suspects were taken under custody for interrogation. As per the lead derived during inquiry the main suspect Mr. Sunni, was arrested from Junglighat Jetty for Hunting Giant Grouper fish which is protected under schedule-1. Status of fish is IUCN Red List- VULNERABLE. The entire operation was carried out under the supervision of Mr. Suresh Vengappan, Forest Ranger (Protection).
The fishermen, Trawler operators, Society Associated with fisheries and general public are advised that Hunting, poaching, trading and consumption of fish listed under schedule-1 like Giant Grouper (Khadi Gobra), Guitar shark (Balwa) and Porcupine stingray ( Pathar Shankar) of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an offence which may attract minimum punishment which may extend to seven year imprisonment along with a fine of Rs.25,000/-. Therefore, the fishermen are directed to exercise caution while fishing.
Good Initiative towards the creation of awareness by the forest department by apprehending the accused in such wildlife cases. This will add awareness towards the better protection of scheduled animal and will restrain the poachers.