Blackbuck killed in Sirsa; police and wildlife officials launch investigation

A blackbuck poaching incident in Jandwala Bishnoiyan village, Sirsa district, has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among the Bishnoi community. This marks the third such incident in a month, prompting local residents to meet Haryana’s PWD Minister Ranbir Gangwa to demand strict action against the poachers. Blackbucks are a protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The incident occurred in the fields of Deshkamal Numbardar. On December 23, the body of an adult male blackbuck, approximately five years old, was found with visible signs of poaching, including cut marks. Chander Mohan Bishnoi, a member of the Jeev Raksha Team, first discovered the carcass and informed authorities. The police and wildlife officials arrived at the site and the carcass was sent for post-mortem.

Veterinary surgeon Dr Anil Beniwal conducted the post-mortem, confirming a punctured wound, which indicated poaching. He noted that other animals, including a neelgai and calves, might also have been poached in the area. Pieces of animal meat were sent for forensic examination to investigate the poachers’ involvement in previous incidents.

The poaching incidents have raised alarms among local conservationists, who are concerned about the declining blackbuck population in the region.

Advocate Mukesh Bishnoi, Sirsa district president of the Akhil Bhartiya Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha, said around 11 villages in the Dabwali region, which were once part of a sanctuary, were de-notified in 2017. Since then, the numbers of blackbucks and chinkara deer have dwindled in villages such as Jandwala Bishnoiyan, Ganga and Bhaukhera.

The police suspect that poachers may be coming from Rajasthan, as poaching tends to spike during the winter months. A police team led by ASI Rohtash has launched an investigation to apprehend the culprits. The Bishnoi community, along with other local residents, is calling for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws to prevent further poaching and ensure the safety of endangered species.

A case has been registered under Sections 9, 39, 49, 51, and 54 of the Wildlife Protection Act and the investigation is ongoing.