Jaisalmer: Forest officials detained four youths for allegedly hunting two Schedule I-protected chinkaras in Balotra district late Thursday night.The incident was reported from Bhalisar Teje Ki Dhani village. According to the forest department, the animals were allegedly hunted using fox lights and wooden sticks.The suspects were identified as Ganpat alias Kalaram Bhil, Rugnath Ram alias Daru Ram Bhil, Deva Ram alias Mangalaram Bhil and Suresh alias Goparam Bhil.Wildlife activists said they rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. They alleged that the suspects fled on motorcycles carrying the carcasses and abandoned them, along with the weapons and equipment, after being chased for about 2 km.Forest officials, led by forest ranger Shriram and Ramjivan Godara, seized the two carcasses, blood-stained sticks, torches, fox lights, a jingling device allegedly used during the hunt and a motorcycle.Meanwhile, wildlife activists staged a protest, alleging that the four detainees were part of a larger poaching network and demanded a detailed investigation.Satish Siyag of the Bishnoi Youth Team said that the protest would continue until the entire network was uncovered.Forest ranger Shriram said the detained suspects were being questioned and further action would be taken based on the investigation.Wildlife activist Satish Bishnoi claimed the chinkara population in Bhalisar village had declined significantly over the years and called for stricter action against poachers.
