Palanpur

A villager held for killing sloth bear in forest area of north Gujarat when arrested told forest officials he had killed wild bear for self protection and not for any other purpose.

Lala Sonabhai Gamar, a villager from Methipura in Rajasthan was held by forest officials for killing a sloth bear in Vavdhara forest area of Dantiwada taluka of Banaskantha district in north Gujarat on 25 December. Lala had used his gun to kill the wild animal, protected under Forest Act. He had neither taken nails nor skin of wild bear when he left the place which indicated that he was not a professional hunter.

When held by forest officials he said he was passing through the area with Nathabhai Damor – who also lives in Methipura village – when he was attacked by a wild bear. He had no option but to kill the wild animal only for self protection.

According to Dantiwada forester B.A. Sindhi, the procedure to catch another accused Nathabhai Damor is on.

It should be mentioned here that as per the Indian Forest Act 1972 section 51, the accused may face 1-6 years jail. The accused may also face charges under section 2, 8, 9, 31, 40, 41 and 51 for entering the forest area with gun.

– DeshGujarat