- By Kamal Kumar
- Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bhopal: The body of a Blackbuck, the 'Kala Hiran' animal considered revered by the Bishnoi community, was found in a field in Barkheda Salam village of Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Tuesday. The animal suffered deep wounds on its neck, along with signs of injuries on other parts of its body as well, raising the suspicion of poachers' involvement in killing the animal.
Though the cause of Blackbuck's death is not yet ascertained, the Bhopal forest officials suspect it was shot dead last night by poachers, but they couldn't take the body with them. Officials said that further action would be taken once the report was available.
Blackbuck or Indian 'Kala Hiran' is a medium size antelope, protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Hunting of this animal, found in low grass plains in India and Nepal is prohibited due to its religious significance for 'Hindus' in both countries.
Blackbuck Issue Between Salman Khan, Lawrence Bishnoi
Recently, the animal again came to the limelight after Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster hailing from the Bishnoi community, known for their religious affection towards the Blackbuck, killed Baba Siddique. The Maharashtra politician was reportedly shot dead due to his closeness to Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who allegedly hunted a blackbuck in 1998 in Rajasthan's Jodhpur during the shooting of "Hum Sath Sath Hain" film.
Bhopal Administration Treading Carefully
The veterinary doctor, Dr Sangeeta Dhamija, who conducted the post-mortem on the dead Bhopal blackbuck denied comments about whether it was a gunshot wound or not, however, she said that it did not die in a conflict with another animal. Meanwhile, source-based news reports claimed that the antelope was most probably shot dead with a firearm.
Due to the sensitive nature of the issue, the Bhopal administration and forest officials are maintaining secrecy and avoiding answering questions.