Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Pregnant Gangetic Dolphin Killed by Poachers in Katwa
A pregnant Gangetic River Dolphin was found dead on the banks of the Bhagirathi river in Katwa, West Bengal.
It was killed by poachers using an iron fishing blade.
This is the ninth or possibly the eleventh such incident in the area since March 2025.
The dolphins are highly protected in India, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and declared the National Aquatic Animal in 2009.
The oil from the dolphins is used for traditional medicine, as illegal fish bait, and as an aphrodisiac.
The forest ranger has started a hunt for the poachers.
A pregnant Gangetic River Dolphin was found dead on the banks of the Bhagirathi river in Katwa, West Bengal.
The dolphin was killed by poachers using an iron fishing blade, which was still stuck in its back.
This is the ninth or possibly the eleventh such incident in the area since March 2025.
The Gangetic River Dolphin is highly protected in India, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and declared the National Aquatic Animal in 2009.
The oil from the dolphins is used for traditional medicine, as illegal fish bait, and as an aphrodisiac.
- Who
- Poachers in the Katwa area
- What
- Killing of a pregnant Gangetic River Dolphin
- When
- Yesterday (exact date not specified)
- Where
- Banks of the Bhagirathi river in Katwa, West Bengal
- Why
- Suspected for extracting oil, which is used as traditional medicine, illegal fish bait, and aphrodisiac
- Location
- Char Bishnupur near Agradwip, Katwa, West Bengal
- Species
- Gangetic River Dolphin
- Protection Status
- Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- National Status
- India's National Aquatic Animal (since 2009)
- Method of Killing
- Iron fishing blade
- Estimated Deaths
- 9-11 in 2025 within a 20-km stretch
- Primary Use of Oil
- Traditional medicine, illegal fish bait, aphrodisiac