Social media reel tips off forest dept, poacher held for killing nine giant squirrels

RIAPUR: A social media reel led the Chhattisgarh forest department to take cognisance of a wildlife crime that ended with the arrest of a poacher accused of killing nine Indian giant squirrels — a Schedule I protected species and the state animal of Maharashtra — in Bastar's Dantewada district.The accused, identified as Banshiram Kowasi, was arrested from the Barsur area on Wednesday following a joint operation by the anti-poaching unit of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, state flying squad and the Dantewada forest division.The case came to light after Odisha forest staff flagged a social media video showing two men with carcasses of nine Indian giant squirrels (Ratufa indica). Acting swiftly, investigators analysed the Insta reel and used visual clues from multiple reels to zero in on their location.During a search at Kowasi’s house, officials recovered a sloth bear skin and snares used for trapping animals. Preliminary investigation suggested the squirrels were hunted from nearby forest areas for bushmeat consumption.Forest officials said nine other accused involved in the case are absconding and have been put under surveillance. The Indian giant squirrel plays a key ecological role as a seed disperser and is considered an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems.Officials said strict action is being taken under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and urged people to report any instances of illegal hunting or wildlife trade.