RAJKOT: Investigation into the death of 15 peacocks and as many peahens in a village of Kutch last month has revealed that the birds were killed for meat as well as medicinal purpose. The forest department with the help of local police arrested 12 migrant labourers who had allegedly fed poisoned grains to the birds and killed them in Gagodar village near Rapar town on September 26.
After severe resentment over peacock deaths among the villagers, a detailed investigation was launched and the probe narrowed down on these labourers who had come from West Bengal to work at the Narmada canal. A S Asoda, deputy conservator of forest (DCF), Dhrangadhra said, "On checking the kitchens at the temporary shelters of the labourers, we found feathers and half-burnt remains of peacocks.
Accused had fed wheat laced with poison
Deputy conservator of forest (DCF), Dhrangadhra, A S Asoda said, “On checking the kitchens at the temporary shelters of the labourers, we found feathers and half-burnt remains of peacocks. Based on this evidence, we concluded that these people are responsible for killing the birds.”
When asked about the motive, Asoda said: “Looking at the burnt remains, we suspect that they used to consume peacock meat. We also got to know that some body parts of the birds are used to make medicines. We are interrogating them to know the exact motive for the killing.” The accused had fed wheat laced with poison, which also left around 40 pigeons dead.
The villagers had started an agitation demanding immediate arrest of the culprits and gave tip-off to the officials about the suspicious activity of these labourers. Wildlife activists have often raised the rampant killing of national birds for the ash of their feathers which is used to make powders believed to cure hiccups. Legs and other parts are also used for medicinal purpose.
Representative Photo
