In a disturbing incident, as many as four fishermen from Naseerpur village in Uttar Pradesh were booked for illegally catching a dolphin from the Yamuna River and subsequently consuming it. The video of the incident went viral on social media platforms, leading to the police taking swift action. One fisherman has been arrested so far, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused.
According to PTI reports, a complaint was lodged by Chail Forest Ravindra Kumar on Monday after he learned about the incident. The video showed the fishermen catching the dolphin in their net during their fishing activities on July 22 morning. After retrieving the trapped dolphin, they carried it on their shoulders to a nearby house, where they cooked and consumed it.
Based on the forest ranger’s complaint, a case has been registered against the individuals identified as Ranjeet Kumar, Sanjay, Deevan, and Baba under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), as stated by the police.
In response to the incident, internet users expressed their outrage and called for stringent action against the offenders. Many condemned the act of consuming the dolphin and highlighted the deteriorating condition of rivers and water bodies in the region. Several users pointed out that such incidents reflect the lack of respect for nature and its inhabitants.
One user expressed empathy for the dolphins in the polluted Yamuna River, saying, “Now even the Delhiites know how the Yamuna Dolphins felt, when they had to swim in the filth thrown by Delhi’s humans.”
Another user lamented the degradation of water bodies, stating, “We stopped treating our land and its rivers, lakes, and seas as sacred a long time ago. When was the last time anyone saw a dolphin in Ganga, or a kurma in Yamuna? We have turned them into sewers.”
Some users also highlighted the positive impact of lockdown measures on the environment, reminiscing about a time when the Yamuna River reportedly showed signs of improvement, even hosting dolphins. These comments underscored the need for better conservation efforts and environmental awareness.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving wildlife and the environment, and authorities are urged to take appropriate actions to ensure the protection of vulnerable species and natural ecosystems.
Sources by Agencies
