Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Three Men Jailed for Illegal Deer Hunt
Three men were caught hunting a barking deer, which is a protected animal in India.
They were arrested and taken to court.
The court decided they should go to jail for five years and pay a fine.
If they don't pay the fine, they have to stay in jail for six more months.
This happened because hunting protected animals is against the law and hurts nature.
The people who protect the forests are happy with this decision because it shows that breaking wildlife laws has serious consequences.
Three men were sentenced to five years in jail for illegally hunting a barking deer and possessing its meat.
The incident occurred on May 4, 2023, at the Rydak tea estate within the North Rydak forest range in the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
The barking deer is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal protection.
Each man was fined ₹50,000, with an additional six months of imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
The forest department and conservationists welcomed the verdict, stating it sends a strong message against wildlife crimes.
- Who
- Kushal Kispotta, Anil Toppo, and Efrem Minz
- What
- Illegal hunting and possession of barking deer meat
- When
- May 4, 2023 (incident), May 10, 2024 (sentencing)
- Where
- Rydak tea estate, North Rydak forest range, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Alipurduar
- Why
- To protect endangered species and enforce wildlife laws
Conservationists
Poachers
Wildlife Protection
Conservationists
Conservationists support strict penalties to protect endangered species like the barking deer.
Poachers
Poachers may argue that such laws are too harsh and impact their livelihoods.
- Date of Incident
- May 4, 2023
- Location
- Rydak tea estate, North Rydak forest range, Buxa Tiger Reserve
- Sentence
- 5 years rigorous imprisonment
- Fine
- ₹50,000 each
- Additional Imprisonment
- 6 months if fine not paid
- Species Involved
- Barking deer (Indian muntjac)
- Legal Protection
- Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972