Srinagar, June 1 (IANS) Two persons were arrested by police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district in the musk deer killing case, while one accused is still absconding, officials said on Monday.

Officials said that police have arrested two accused in the poaching case, marking a significant development in the investigation into the killing of the endangered animal.

The arrests come days after authorities initiated legal proceedings and issued warrants in connection with the case involving poaching of a musk deer in the Bandipora forest belt.

Wildlife protection department officials had expressed concern at the killings of the endangered musk deer in Bandipora.

Officials said an FIR, numbered 9/2026, under Section 325 BNS and Sections 9, 39 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, has been registered at Police Station Pethkoot.

The arrested accused have been identified as Noorani Swathi, son of Dilpazeer Swathi, a resident of Kalakote Rajouri, and Akther Ali Swathi, son of Dilpazeer Swathi, also a resident of Kalakote Rajouri.

The third accused has been evading arrest. The latest arrests follow the earlier phase of investigation in which authorities had launched a manhunt and initiated warrant proceedings after evidence linked to the poaching incident surfaced.

Officials said the investigation into the case was continuing and further legal action would follow as authorities pursued all persons allegedly involved in the wildlife crime.

The Kashmir Musk Deer (Moschus cupreus) and the Himalayan Musk Deer are highly endangered species found in Jammu and Kashmir. Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Act, the animals face severe threats from poaching for their prized scent glands and ongoing habitat loss.

Both species are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Known as ‘Roose Kat’ in the Kashmir Valley, the musk deer is a small antlerless deer.

Males have distinct, fang-like canine tusks. Their habitat includes Alpine scrub, rocky outcrops, and high-altitude coniferous forests (3,000-3,500 meters).

Often rescued or spotted in high-elevation areas like the Ganderbal, Bandipora, and Kishtwar regions. These solitary animals are extremely elusive and occasionally wander into lower valleys during severe winter snowfalls.

When rescued, they are typically rehabilitated in protected sanctuaries like Dachigam National Park.

–IANS

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