Assam: Several spotted doves found dead in Amrikhowa; poisoning suspected, one arrested

An act of alleged wildlife cruelty has sparked outrage in Amrikhowa village under Sarthebari, Assam after several spotted doves, locally known as 'Kopou' was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The bird, a protected species, was allegedly poisoned to death in a paddy field triggering condemnation from both residents and environmental groups.

 

The accused, Nripen Deka, son of the late Mukunda Deka of Amrikhowa, is alleged to have laced his fields with poison during routine agricultural activities and deliberately targeted the doves, reportedly also consuming other wild birds. The bird’s lifeless body was discovered lying in the field, leading to widespread shock among locals who quickly alerted law enforcement.

 

The incident has drawn strong reactions from environmental organizations, with Nature’s Beacon, a leading nature conservation group in Assam, condemning the act in no uncertain terms. Kalpa Talukdar, regional coordinator of the organization, has expressed serious concern and demanded stringent punishment for the accused.

 

Adding to the momentum, Nabajit Nath, a noted environmentalist and journalist, who also serves as a coordinator for Nature’s Beacon, has filed a formal complaint at Sarthebari Police Station against Deka. Nath termed the act as a “deliberate crime against nature” and stressed the urgency of enforcing wildlife protection laws.

 

The post-mortem of the doves has been conducted by Dr. Anitya Barman, a veterinarian from Sarthebari State Veterinary Hospital, confirming the suspicion of poisoning.

 

Currently, Nripen Deka is in police custody, while environmentalists and citizens alike continue to demand that strict legal action be taken to set an example against wildlife crimes. The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of native bird species in Assam and the need for stronger enforcement of environmental laws.