Hoshiarpur wildlife officials have uncovered a network involved in the illegal trade of sambar meat following the arrest of Karnail Singh, owner of Rana Chicken Corner, in Binewal village.
The arrest occurred on February 7, when a decoy meat buyer tipped off forest officials about Karnail’s illegal activities. Officials recovered 2.5 kg of sambar meat, a butcher’s block, and three knives from his shop. The meat was reportedly being sold for Rs 250 per kg, far cheaper than mutton, which ranges from Rs 700-880 per kg. Karnail Singh has been booked under Sections 9, 39, 48, 50, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act and remanded to judicial custody until February 20.
Earlier, on January 5, forest authorities identified a father-son duo, Mandeep Singh and Sohan Singh of Sarangwal, Hoshiarpur, for poaching sambars using electric wires installed in fields. Sambar paws, skin, and meat were recovered during raids, though both remain absconding.
Divisional Forest Officer Kulraj Singh stated:
“Special raids are being conducted, and poachers are being tracked. Nobody involved in killing or selling sambars will be spared. Sambars are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, and violations are non-bailable offences.”
The case follows the arrest of Garhshankar Wildlife Range Officer Rajpal by the Vigilance Bureau for demanding bribes in exchange for hunting permits, highlighting ongoing scrutiny and enforcement in the region.
