Saitual, June 24, 2025: Forest officials from Saitual Forest Range have arrested four individuals from Tualbung for the illegal hunting of a serow (sazuk), a protected species listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The action followed a report submitted by members of the Tualbung Branch YMA.
According to the forest department, the accused were apprehended yesterday from Tuikhau forest area in Tualbung. A detailed investigation led to the seizure of serow meat, its internal organs, hooves, and four traditional hunting guns.
A case has been registered under Sections 9 and 39 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. After being produced before the Aizawl District Court, the accused were remanded and have since been sent to the Central Jail.
The serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) is a Schedule-I species, receiving the highest level of legal protection. As per the Act, killing or possessing parts of such protected animals is punishable by three to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of over ₹25,000.
The EF&CC (Environment, Forests & Climate Change) Department emphasized that action against hunting of protected species will be strictly enforced and awareness among local communities will continue to prevent such violations.
