Injured deer of rare species rescued from Bhuban Hills forest, probe on

Silchar: A day after the carcass of a leopard cat was found at the foothills of the Bhuban Hills, forest officials on Friday rescued an injured deer of a rare species from the same forest belt in Cachar district, raising concerns over wildlife safety in the area.

Panic and curiosity spread across villages adjoining the Bhuban Hills after the animal was found lying injured inside the Kalakhal forest range, which falls under the Bhuban Hills reserve forest. According to forest officials, labourers engaged in routine work inside the reserve forest first spotted the deer amid thick bushes and alerted authorities.

Acting on the information, personnel from the Maniarkhal forest range rushed to the spot and safely took custody of the injured animal. The deer was later shifted to the Maniarkhal forest beat office, where it was administered preliminary treatment.

Forest sources said the exact cause of the injury is yet to be ascertained and a probe has been initiated. Veterinary assistance will be arranged if required, and the animal will be released back into a suitable forest habitat once it recovers fully, officials added.

The incident has sparked concern among locals, especially in the backdrop of the recent recovery of a leopard cat carcass from the same forest belt. Many locals suspect human interference or illegal hunting and have demanded a thorough investigation and strict action if any foul play is detected.