Hyderabad, Oct 22 (PTI) The Forest Department has registered a case after a caged Indian Roller, Telangana’s state bird. was displayed and released during a Dussehra event here, organised by a local Congress leader, officials said on Thursday.
A video of the event held at Uppal mini stadium here on Tuesday, circulated on social media, shows a man handing over an Indian Roller (Palapitta in Telugu) from the cage to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president B Mahesh Kumar Goud, who then released the bird.
Following the circulation of the video on social media showing the release of the bird, a case was registered on October 21 under relevant sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and BNSS, a release from the Forest Department said.
The Indian Roller is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which makes its capture, hunting and trade illegal.
“The case was registered against a local Congress leader, who organised the event, and against the person who brought the caged Indian Roller (on the dais) and others. Further inquiry is underway. We are tracking the person who actually brought the bird,” a forest department official said.
Further investigation is on, he said, adding that a team is inquiring and notices were issued to the persons concerned, directing them to depose their statement.
Upon completion of the investigation, further legal action will be initiated, and the accused will be produced before the magistrate for proceedings as per law, the release added.
The official said that, in due process, the statement of Goud will be recorded.
There was no immediate response from Congress on the issue.
Meanwhile, police rescued four caged Indian Rollers from different places in the city during the Dussehra festival.
Telangana’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Vinay Kumar recently directed officials to take measures to prevent Indian Rollers from being kept in cages for display and asked Endowments Department officials to ensure that these directions were implemented.
The sighting of the Indian Roller on Dussehra day is considered auspicious. PTI VVK SJR SJR ADB
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