Officials of the Cachar Forest Department rescues a bird from illegal trader and then sets it free

The Cachar Forest Division yesterday apprehended a person from Das Colony in Silchar who was selling Parakeet. The species is commonly kept as pets indoors are found in the moist evergreen forests in Assam including Cachar.

Upon seeing the Forest Officers the offender fled from the spot. “The bird was rescued and brought to the Division Office,” informed the forest department through a media statement. It added, “The bird was handcuffed and was struggling to get out of it. The handcuff was cut off and water and some fruits were fed to the bird and then it was freed. It flew high in the sky shrieking loudly.” What looked like a rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) must be thanking the Forest Dept.

Cachar Forest Department urged people to note that such an act of keeping or harming the parakeets or any birds is prohibited under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and if found indulging in such activities, the culprit will be charged under “Section 9: Prohibition of hunting any wild animal specified in Schedules I, II, III and IV),  Section 44: Dealing in trophy and animals articles without a license is prohibited. Section 49B: Prohibition of dealing in trophies, animal articles, etc, derived from schedules animals.”

The department said, “If found guilty, the culprit is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or fine up to Rs 25,000 or with both.”

The Cachar Forest Department appealed to all the public to inform, report such crime to the officials. “Rest assured prompt action would be taken against the criminals,” stated the department.