State investigates 'illegal' leopard release from Gujarat in Nandurbar

Incident on agenda at inter-state forest department meeting scheduled in Saputara village on February 1

- Gayatri Vajpeyee

PUNE: The Maharashtra forest department has launched an investigation into allegations by villagers of Manibeli, a tribal village in Nandurbar district, regarding illegal leopard transportation from Gujarat. The probe follows an incident where villagers intercepted a boat on the Narmada river carrying a caged leopard allegedly intended for release in Nandurbar district.

The incident came to light when fishermen and residents stopped the boat earlier this week. According to villagers, the boat had at least 7-8 officials from the Gujarat forest department onboard. A video of the incident, recorded by locals, went viral, prompting the Maharashtra forest department to act.

Laxman Patil, deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Nandurbar forest department, said, "We have initiated an inquiry into the alleged transport of the leopard. We have communicated with the Gujarat counterpart, which admitted the leopard was from Gujarat and was intended for release at a rescue center in their jurisdiction. However, their rescue team ventured close to the Maharashtra border to wait until night for the release."

Patil said that the explanation provided by the Gujarat forest department was unsatisfactory. "A detailed investigation report is being prepared and will be submitted to higher authorities soon," he said.

Meanwhile, an inter-state forest department meeting has been scheduled in Saputara village on February 1.