Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Doomdooma: Within hours of a viral video allegedly showing the killing of a rare hornbill in Upper Assam triggering widespread public outrage, the Assam Forest Department, with support from the police, arrested three suspects in a late-night operation, marking a significant breakthrough in the wildlife crime case.
The arrests were made following an intensive investigation by the Digboi Forest Division after the disturbing footage, purportedly filmed in the Inthem area under the Digboi Forest Division in Tinsukia district, spread rapidly across social media.
The video allegedly showed the accused posing with the dead hornbill in a celebratory manner. However, the authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified.
Confirming the development, conservationist Devajit Moran expressed gratitude to Divisional Forest Officer Rohini Kumar Das, the Digboi Forest Division, and the police for their swift action.
He appealed to the public to continue supporting the authorities by reporting wildlife crimes and assisting in conservation efforts.
“The prompt arrests send a strong message that crimes against wildlife will not go unpunished. Public cooperation remains crucial in protecting Assam’s invaluable biodiversity,” Moran said.
Forest officials have not yet disclosed the identities of the arrested individuals or the specific charges invoked. Further investigation is underway to establish the sequence of events, recover evidence, and determine whether additional individuals were involved.
Hornbills are among Northeast India’s most ecologically important birds, serving as vital seed dispersers that help sustain healthy forest ecosystems.
The forests of Digboi, Margherita, and the adjoining Dehing Patkai landscape provide critical habitat for species including the Oriental Pied Hornbill and the Great Hornbill, both protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The incident has reignited concerns over illegal hunting and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws, greater community vigilance, and stronger conservation initiatives to safeguard Assam’s rapidly shrinking natural heritage.