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Delhi Zoo Forms Committee to Probe Alleged Jackal Death in Capture Operation

The National Zoological Park in Delhi has constituted a committee led by its joint director to investigate allegations that a jackal was killed during a capture attempt. The zoo director stated the inquiry was launched based on a complaint sent to the Environment Ministry alleging serious legal violations. The complaint describes a capture operation where chilli powder and fire were allegedly used, resulting in the animal's death. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within three days.

Key Points: Delhi Zoo Committee to Investigate Jackal Death Allegations

  • Committee formed after union complaint
  • Alleged jackal death during capture
  • Report due within three days
  • Species is Schedule I protected
  • Ministry officials visited zoo
2 min read

Delhi Zoo forms committee led by joint director to inquire into jackal's death in three days

Delhi Zoo forms a committee to investigate allegations a jackal was killed during a capture attempt. The panel must report within three days.

"We have taken cognisance of the matter, and an investigation is underway. - Dr Sanjeet Kumar"

New Delhi, January 15

The National Zoological Park has constituted a committee headed by its joint director to ascertain the facts surrounding the alleged death of a jackal during capture attempt, zoo director Dr Sanjeet Kumar said on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Kumar said the zoo had received a complaint from a union alleging that a jackal was burnt alive.

"We have taken cognisance of the matter, and an investigation is underway. The complaint was written to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and a copy was also sent to us. Based on that, we have taken up the matter, and we are conducting an inquiry," he said.

Kumar added that, as per official records, there are currently eight jackals in the zoo and no such incident has been reported internally so far.

"Delhi Zoo has constituted a committee headed by the joint director to inquire into the alleged jackal death, and the panel has been asked to submit its report within three days," said Kumar. The species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (Amendment), 2022.

In the complaint submitted to the ministry on Monday, the union sought an independent inquiry, alleging gross violations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and established protocols governing zoological parks.

Following the complaint, a team of MoEFCC officials visited the zoo on Tuesday.

According to the complaint, workers were allegedly summoned during a capture operation and "chilli powder was poured into the burrow and fire was ignited inside it", resulting in the "unlawful killing" of the animal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very sad to read this. Delhi Zoo is supposed to be a place of conservation and education, not cruelty. The fact that it's a Schedule I protected species makes this even more serious. Hope the committee's findings are made public. 🐾
R
Rohit P
Forming a committee headed by their own joint director? That's like asking the accused to investigate themselves. The ministry should have directly taken charge. This reeks of trying to manage the narrative. We need transparency.
S
Sarah B
As a frequent visitor to the zoo with my kids, this is deeply disturbing. What kind of training and protocols are in place for the staff? This committee's report in three days needs to be thorough and lead to real accountability, not just paperwork.
V
Vikram M
The director says their records show 8 jackals and no internal report. But the complaint seems very specific. Someone is not telling the truth. Hope the MoEFCC officials who visited have done a proper check. Justice for the innocent animal.
K
Karthik V
This is a wake-up call for all zoos in India. We need stricter oversight and modern, humane methods for animal management. Burning an animal alive is barbaric and has no place in a civilized society, let alone a national zoological park. Shameful.

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