Chiriyakhana Mancha demands high-level probe on recovery of carcasses

GUWAHATI: The Chiriyakhana Suraksha Mancha (CSM) has demanded a high-level inquiry into the case where a large number of carcasses of snake and lizard specimens, including that of species protected by the Wildlife Protection Act, were seized in a joint operation by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and Assam Forest Department from the Lachit Nagar residence of Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha on October 10.

They CSM have alleged that the DFO of Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden is involved in the case as he knows the accused, Dr. Purkayastha. CSM secretary Rajkumar Baishya stressed that recovery of the carcasses is a serious matter because the DFO has good relations with the accused.

"Dr. Purkayastha is associated with construction of snake dens in the zoo and other works in the zoo. We suspected that the recovered carcasses are from the zoo," Baishya added.

Dr. Purkayastha is a well-known researcher working on reptiles. Prima facie the documents produced by Dr Purkayastha were not accepted as valid permit by the investigating agencies. The Forest department and WCCB have registered a case and further investigation is on.