Rajkot: The carcasses of 25 demoiselle cranes were discovered inside a vehicle that overturned during a police chase at the Chhari-Dhand wetland in Kutch. Acting on a tip-off, police pursued an SUV suspected of illegal hunting, which lost control near Chachla village and flipped over due to an uneven surface. The occupants fled into a nearby acacia thicket, abandoning the vehicle.

During the inspection, police found blood-stained jute bags containing the remains of the cranes along with two knives, an axe, a country-made firearm, and live ammunition. The seized items were handed over to forest officials for action under the Wildlife Protection Act, while suspects were booked under the Arms Act.

The demoiselle crane is a legally protected species, and its hunting, trade, and possession are strictly prohibited. DeshGujarat