Man charge-sheeted for FB post of wild cat killing

TURA: The Wildlife Department has charge-sheeted a man for killing two wild cats and uploading the video of him skinning the animals on social media.
The Facebook post of Sanjib T Sangma from Araimile locality of Tura had shown two wild cats being skinned for consumption.
Soon after the video went viral on the social media, news reports had claimed the carcasses were of Neofelis nebulosa or clouded leopard. Wildlife officials later confirmed that the carcasses were of two different species of wild cats, a civet cat and a leopard cat.
District Forest Officer NRD Marak said immediately after the video was posted on Facebook, the department’s range officer was informed and necessary procedures against the accused were taken.
“As soon as the Facebook posting was brought to our notice, our department registered a case against Marak in court. The case is on and the accused may face jail term if he is found guilty,” the DFO said.
Marak’s Facebook post had earlier raised a hue and cry among many citizens who condemned the killing and demanded action against the accused.
Both the cat species are endangered and departments and groups concerned have been working to save them from extinction.
However, survival of wild cats and other endangered species continues to be under threat in Garo Hills.