HEAL Team Intercepts Hunters in Birbhum

18 March 2024

On 18 March, during a routine anti-poaching patrol in Birbhum district, our field team encountered a group of 20 hunters on their way back after killing a jungle cat. Upon noticing our team, the group tried to escape. One of them, Laden Hansda, was successfully apprehended and taken to the Mallarpur police station. Upon appearance at the District Court, Hansda was remanded to judicial custody till 27 March 2024.

HEAL team and Forest Department officials with the apprehended hunter

Following this incident, the Birbhum Forest Division convened an ‘Urgent Liaison Meeting’ on 21 March to discuss measures for addressing recreational hunting and migratory lark poaching in the district. Soumydip Mondal, our Zonal Coordinator in Murshidabad, along with other members of our field team, attended this meeting alongside Chief Conservator of Forests Burdwan, Divisional Forest Officer, Additional Divisional Forest Officer and all rangers from Birbhum District, a ranger from Kandi, Murshidabad and an inspector of police from Birbhum District Police.

Soumydip Mondal, HEAL’s Zonal Coordinator, Murshidabad speaking at the Urgent Liaison Meeting

Forest officials and police representatives from Birbhum and Murshidabad have agreed to take steps to improve coordination between the two districts to tackle the increased instances of wildlife hunting and poaching of migratory larks. Our team provided valuable inputs and suggestions regarding enhancing cooperation between local NGOs and enforcement authorities to effectively mitigate these pressing threats.