23 peacocks found dead in Rajasthan

Forensic experts suspect that they died after consuming poisonous food grains

Twenty-three peacocks were found dead at two different places in Rajasthan, police said on Tuesday.

Carcasses of 17 peacocks —five male and 12 female — were found in Nagarfort area in Tonk district on Monday, said Surendra, Station House Officer (SHO) of the Nagarfort police station. Six more peacocks were found dead in the forest area of Barwala village of Makrana town on Monday, police said.

Forensic experts of the forest department suspect that the peacocks died after consuming poisonous food grains. Samples of the food grains have been collected, the SHO said.

Cases registered

Cases under sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act have been registered by the Forest Department, he said.

Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and environmentalist B.L. Jajju said this was an example of carelessness of the forest and police departments.

Appeal to Chief Minister

“We urge Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to take cognisance of such wildlife cases and ensure a free and fair probe,” Mr. Jajju said.