SRINAGAR: Authorities have arrested two accused in the musk deer poaching case in Bandipora district, marking a significant development in the investigation into the killing of the endangered animal.
The arrests come days after authorities initiated legal proceedings and issued warrants in connection with the case involving the poaching of a musk deer in the Bandipora forest belt, a development that had triggered widespread concern among wildlife authorities and conservation circles.
Officials said an FIR, numbered 9/2026, under Section 325 of the BNS and Sections 9, 39 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, has been registered at Police Station Pethkoot.
The arrested accused have been identified as Noorani Swathi, son of Dilpazeer Swathi, a resident of Kalakote in Rajouri, and Akther Ali Swathi, son of Dilpazeer Swathi, also a resident of Kalakote, Rajouri. Wildlife officials said the third accused has been evading arrest.
The latest arrests follow an earlier phase of investigation during which authorities launched a manhunt and initiated warrant proceedings after evidence linked to the poaching incident surfaced.
Officials said the investigation into the case was continuing and further legal action would follow as authorities pursue all persons allegedly involved in the wildlife crime. [KNT]
