Three individuals have been arrested in Rajasthan’s Balotra district for allegedly poaching a chinkara (Indian gazelle), a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The arrests were made following a forest department investigation into the illegal hunting incident.

According to officials, forest personnel received information about the poaching and launched a search operation that led to the detention of the accused. Evidence linked the suspects to the killing of the animal, prompting legal action under wildlife protection laws. Authorities are also investigating whether the accused are connected to a wider poaching network operating in the region.

The chinkara, Rajasthan’s state animal, enjoys the highest level of legal protection in India and has frequently been targeted by poachers in parts of western Rajasthan. Conservationists have repeatedly raised concerns over recurring incidents of illegal hunting of the species.

Forest officials stated that efforts are continuing to identify any additional individuals involved in the case and to strengthen anti-poaching surveillance in the area. The arrests highlight ongoing challenges in protecting wildlife across Rajasthan despite regular enforcement operations.

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