Jaipur: A juvenile blackbuck, a Schedule I protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, was rescued by Nagaur Forest Division Friday after videos circulating on Instagram showed the animal in illegal captivity. The rescue operation was carried out within 24 hours of the forest department receiving a complaint from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Vijay Shankar said, “The blackbuck fawn was rescued safely during the operation. One accused was arrested in connection with the case and produced before a court, which remanded the accused to judicial custody. The vehicle allegedly used to capture the fawn was also seized by the team.”The rescued juvenile blackbuck is currently under the care and custody of the forest department. Officials said a comprehensive veterinary examination will be conducted to assess the animal’s health and fitness. Based on the veterinarian’s assessment and in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the department will take appropriate steps for the fawn’s rehabilitation and release into its natural habitat.Sources said a case was also registered against a pregnant woman in connection with the incident, but she was not arrested. They added that the preventive action was taken as members of the tribe involved have allegedly been linked to poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, including the sale of bush meat to restaurants.Officials said offences involving Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, are punishable with imprisonment of not less than three years, which may extend to seven years, along with a fine of at least Rs 25,000.PETA India Lead Cruelty Response Coordinator Sreekutty Bennet commended Nagaur Forest Division for its swift action. He said, “The immediate rescue of the fawn and arrest of the accused sent a strong message against wildlife crimes.”
