Kanker Forest Division Books Man Over Viral Video of Python Abuse Following PETA India Complaint
Acting on alarming videos and news reports showing a man capturing and abusing a python — a species protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972 — the Kanker Forest Division of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department has registered a Preliminary Offence Report (POR) against the accused, following a complaint filed by PETA India.
PETA India received multiple videos and news reports showing a man dragging the reptile with a rope from his motorbike. Officials confirmed that a Preliminary Offence Report (POR) was registered under Sections 9 and 51 of the WPA, 1972, and the python was checked and released back into the forest. Any offence against a species protected under Schedule I of the WPA, 1972 is punishable with a jail term of at least three years, which may extend to seven years, and a fine of at least ₹25,000. It is a cognizable and non-bailable offence.
PETA India is grateful to Shri Raunak Goyal, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Kanker Forest Division, for swiftly registering the POR and sending a clear message that mishandling animals will not be tolerated. We urge community members never to resort to violence in dealing with wildlife and to recruit the help of the forest department instead.
