Over 50 migratory birds found dead in Assam's Majuli; poisoning suspected

More than 50 migratory birds were found dead in different parts of Majuli district in Assam on Republic Day, with authorities suspecting poisoning as the cause.

The carcasses were recovered from agricultural fields in the Kamargaon area and nearby localities. Eight birds that survived the suspected poisoning are currently undergoing treatment at the Ratanpur Veterinary Hospital, officials said.

According to officials, the birds had arrived in the fields in search of food when unidentified persons allegedly used pesticides and other chemical substances in the farmlands, resulting in the deaths. The incident was reported from the Dakshinpat Kumar Gaon, Sumoimari, Komargaon and Rawanagaon areas.

Several birds found in an ailing condition were shifted to the veterinary hospital for medical care.

Police and forest department officials have taken cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation. Seventeen persons have been detained for further interrogation in connection with the alleged poisoning of migratory birds, officials said.