Guwahati: Amrikhowa village in Assam’s Sarthebari area is reeling from an incident of alleged wildlife cruelty after numerous spotted doves, locally known as ‘Kopou’, a protected species, were discovered dead under suspicious circumstances in a paddy field. The birds are believed to have been poisoned, sparking widespread outrage among residents and environmental groups alike.
Nripen Deka, son of the late Mukunda Deka from Amrikhowa, stands accused of lacing his fields with poison during routine agricultural activities, allegedly targeting the doves. Reports also suggest Deka may have consumed other wild birds. The discovery of the lifeless doves in his field sent shockwaves through the community, prompting locals to immediately alert law enforcement.
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from environmental organisations, with Nature’s Beacon, a prominent nature conservation group in Assam, expressing serious concern. Kalpa Talukdar, regional coordinator for the organisation, has demanded stringent punishment for the accused.
Further escalating the matter, Nabajit Nath, a well-known environmentalist and journalist who also coordinates for Nature’s Beacon, has filed a formal complaint against Deka at Sarthebari Police Station. Nath labelled the act a “deliberate crime against nature” and emphasised the critical need to enforce wildlife protection laws.
A post-mortem conducted by Dr. Anitya Barman, a veterinarian from Sarthebari State Veterinary Hospital, has confirmed that the doves were indeed poisoned.
Nripen Deka is currently in police custody, as environmentalists and concerned citizens continue to press for strict legal action to deter future wildlife crimes. The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of native bird species in Assam and underscores the urgent requirement for more robust enforcement of environmental legislation.
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