The chief conservator of forest (Wildlife) administration and intelligence, and Chief of the Anti-Poaching Cell, S.K. Dutt has issued letters to all wildlife NGOs directing them to inform him in case they recieve any inputs about Bhagat Ram Chauhan, so that investigation can be initiated against him.

Legal action will be taken against the informer or the NGO concerned found involved in encouraging poaching in the case.

While working as an informer for the Wildlife Trust of India, Bhagat Ram, a resident of Tyuni in Chakrata was involved in many seizures of leopard pelts, bones and body parts of other animals. He was known to have encouraged villagers to poach leopards and then sell the pelts and body parts to dealers. However, at the same time, he used to either inform the NGO or authorities about these people who were then arrested, increasing the list of seizures facilitated by him while eliciting a monetary reward for the same. He was himself arrested last year by Himachal Pradesh Police while transporting two leopard pelts to Uttarakhand. He was also involved in smuggling liquor and narcotics and used to make use of his status as an NGO informer to boost his smuggling business.

In the letter issued to all NGOs active in Uttarakhand, Dutt has said that Bhagat Ram’s actions were responsible for the high number of leopard pelt seizures from the Chakrata region. He was also known to carry fake identity cards of different organisations.

‘If he provides information about wildlife crime, himself or through an organisation in the future, the Anti-Poaching Cell chief should be informed immediately so that the crime can be verified. In case either Bhagat Ram or any organisation supporting him is found to have encouraged the crime, action will be taken under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972,’ states the letter.