Five individuals were arrested on Friday for allegedly selling wild animal meat at the Puthimari weekly market in Assam’s Udalguri district, officials said.
The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted by the Nunoi Forest Range staff under the Dhanshree Forest Division and the Udalguri district police, with assistance from wildlife activists. During the operation, authorities seized the carcass of a jackal, a Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, from the possession of the accused.
The arrested persons have been identified as Jiron Mushahary, Nijom Daim, Lokash Basumatary, Jiush Mushahary, and Gershon Tigga. Officials said the accused were allegedly involved in the illegal trade of wild animals and wild animal meat at the Puthimari weekly market, which is held every Saturday.
According to forest department sources, the Puthimari market has reportedly been a hub for the open sale of wild animal meat and body parts, including civet, monitor lizard, jackal, birds, frogs, squirrels and other wildlife.
The operation was planned following the circulation of a video on social media that allegedly showed illegal wildlife trade at the market. Based on the video, authorities launched the raid, leading to the detention of the five accused.
Officials further informed that four to five other suspects managed to flee from the spot during the operation. An investigation is underway to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the illegal wildlife trade racket.
Forest and police officials reiterated that strict action would be taken against those involved in wildlife crimes in accordance with the law.
