Bandipora, May 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department has issued an arrest warrant against an identified hunter and launched a massive manhunt to trace other individuals allegedly involved in the killing of an endangered male musk deer in the forests of Gurez Valley, a border area in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
According to wildlife officials, the rare animal was allegedly killed for the extraction of its musk pod, which is considered highly valuable and is illegally traded in the black market.
Wildlife Warden North Kashmir, Intesar Suhail, said one of the accused has been identified and legal proceedings have already been initiated against him.
“So far, one person has been identified. He is a tribal from Rajouri. An arrest warrant has been issued and further action will follow,” Suhail said.
Officials said efforts are currently underway to identify and arrest two more persons believed to be involved in the poaching incident.
The case came to light after photographs and videos showing the hunters with the slain animal surfaced on social media, triggering widespread concern and prompting the Wildlife Department to launch an investigation.
According to officials, the incident is believed to have taken place nearly a week ago in the Doudhpathi Kissar area of the Gurez forests.
Visuals linked to the incident reportedly show three hunters cutting the carcass of the endangered Kashmir musk deer, scientifically known as Moschus cupreus, while a firearm can also be seen nearby.
Wildlife officials said a special team, including range officers and field personnel, has been deputed to Gurez to investigate the case, collect evidence, and identify all those involved in the illegal hunting.
The Kashmir musk deer is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal protection to endangered species. Hunting or poaching of the animal is strictly prohibited.
Officials said poachers often target musk deer for their meat, skin, and especially the musk pod, which fetches a huge price in illegal wildlife markets due to its use in perfumes and traditional medicines.
Environmentalists and wildlife activists have strongly condemned the killing and demanded strict punishment for those involved, calling for stronger surveillance and protection measures in the ecologically sensitive forests of Gurez.
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