Nilgai hacked to death for meat consumption in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund, two held

RAIPUR: Lying tired and gasping for breath after being chased down by a pack of dogs, a four-year-old female nilgai was hacked to death with a sharp weapon by villagers in Pithora forest range of Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district on Monday. While they were preparing to cook the meat for consumption, the forest department arrested two villagers and launched a search for six others suspected to be involved in the illegal hunt.According to the forest department, the incident was reported from Shantinagar in Sukhipali, near forest compartment number 234 under East Pithora circle. Acting on a tip-off, a team reached the spot and found the nilgai dead. Preliminary examination by a veterinary team suggested that the animal had been killed in an illegal hunt. Two legs of the nilgai had been chopped off and injury marks caused by a sharp weapon were found on its neck.Forest officials detained and questioned two villagers — Johit Das, 30, and Surendra, 32, both residents of Sukhipali. Officials said six more persons are suspected to be involved and efforts are on to trace them. A case was registered under relevant provisions of the Indian Forest Act, and Wildlife Protection Act.Officials said the animal’s postmortem was conducted by the veterinary team, after which the carcass was disposed of as per rules. The action was carried out by Mahasamund DFO Mayank Pandey.