Tinsukia, June 27: The Assam Forest Department has arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged hunting of a rare and protected hornbill in the Inthem area under the Margherita East Range of the Digboi Forest Division in Tinsukia district.
The arrests followed the circulation of a purported video on social media that allegedly showed an individual posing with the carcass of the hornbill. The footage triggered widespread criticism from conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts, prompting the Forest Department to initiate an investigation into the incident.
Assam Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the department responded swiftly after the video surfaced online, stressing that the government maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards wildlife crimes. He said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
Based on evidence and leads gathered during the investigation, forest officials identified and arrested three accused persons allegedly linked to the hunting of the protected bird. Authorities said legal proceedings have been initiated against them under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Earlier, conservationist Devajit Moran had strongly condemned the incident, describing the killing of the hornbill as an attack on Assam’s rich biodiversity. He had urged the authorities to identify the offenders and ensure exemplary punishment to discourage similar offences in the future.
Hornbills, including the Great Hornbill and the Oriental Pied Hornbill, inhabit the forests of Digboi, Dehing-Patkai, Margherita and surrounding areas of Tinsukia district. The birds play an important ecological role by dispersing seeds and supporting forest regeneration, but continue to face threats from habitat destruction and illegal hunting.
Reiterating their commitment to protecting wildlife, forest officials appealed to the public to report wildlife-related offences directly to the authorities rather than circulating such content on social media.
