Pune: Man Arrested for Illegal Possession of Protected Bonnet Macaque, Monkey
Pune, 29th July 2024: A young Bonnet Macaque, a protected species under Schedule I, Part A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, was rescued on Saturday (July 27) in Katewasti, Punawale.
The macaque, approximately eight months old, was found tied up with a rope. Following an investigation, Aslam Razzak Shaikh, a resident of Sade, Taluka Karmala, District Solapur, and currently residing in Katewasti, Punawale, was apprehended. Shaikh, who works at a salon, has been charged under Sections 39, 48(a), 49, 50, and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
According to authorities, Shaikh had been in possession of the baby monkey for the past four to five months. He claimed to have found the macaque when it was 1.5 to 2 months old and in poor health. Shaikh stated that he took care of the monkey, which is now in good condition. Despite the absence of malicious intent, his illegal possession of wildlife necessitated legal action, officials said.
The rescued monkey has been sent to the RESQ centre for further treatment and care.
The rescue operation was led by Forest Range Officer (Mulshi) Santosh Chavan, Forest Ranger Ghotavade Pragya Bansode, and Forest Guards Pandurang Kopner, Raosaheb Chaure, and Santosh Mundhe.
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