From letters to the Supreme Court to a year-round resource for animals. Read the story

Animal Writes
Contact us

Man and son from Mumbai held for attempting to hunt wildlife in Raigad forest, two fire arms seized

Man and son from Mumbai held for attempting to hunt wildlife in Raigad forest, two fire arms seized

A father and son from Mumbai were arrested for attempting to hunt wild animals in the forest near Takka village in Raigad district. The Murud police stated that Crescent Lucus DeMello and his son Graffil were apprehended on Saturday night after a patrolling team stopped their SUV at around 8.30 pm. Police said they recovered two rifles, 104 live cartridges, and animal meat-cutting tools from the vehicle. An FIR was registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits hunting wild animals and carries penalties of up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Police quoted their findings: “When the vehicle was checked, we found another rifle, 104 live cartridges and animal meat-cutting tools.” A Raigad forest official stated that wild boar hunting in the area is strictly illegal, as wild boars are protected under the law. The forest ecosystem near Takka village falls within and adjacent to the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, where trapping and poaching carry severe criminal penalties. The total value of the seized items, including the SUV, is Rs 5.3 lakh. The investigation is ongoing.

Sources

The Times of India

Read the original (opens in a new tab)Summary written by Animal Writes. Read the original before relying on it.

Editorial policyReport a mistake

More in Cruelty and Prosecution

  • Mumbai Government Railway Police welcome PETA India in leading workshop to combat cruelty to animals following bird seizure from train

    News

    Mumbai Government Railway Police welcome PETA India in leading workshop to combat cruelty to animals following bird seizure from train

    An animal cruelty workshop was organized after a bird was seized on a Mumbai local train. The Mumbai Government Railway Police participated in the session coordinated with PETA, as reported by Free Press Journal. Police officials noted that unlawful capture of wildlife on public transport breaches the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and poses health risks. The police chief stated, "We must ensure that no animal is harmed on our trains and that staff are trained to handle such situations." The workshop will train railway staff on humane handling and legal duties, and a follow-up audit is planned within the next month.

  • Mutilated, maimed, disfigured Mumbai panics as 6 brutally killed cats are found in just 2 days

    News

    Mutilated, maimed, disfigured Mumbai panics as 6 brutally killed cats are found in just 2 days

    Six brutally killed cats were found in the Panjarapole area of Govandi, Mumbai, sparking panic among animal lovers. Animal lover Rubina Pathan alleged that four cats were killed on September 3 and two on September 5. Govandi Police registered an FIR against an unknown person under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and are scanning CCTV footage. PETA India offered a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

  • Mumbai news: 2 dogs sexually abused in city, animal activists demand amendments to BNS and PCA for stricter

    News

    Mumbai news: 2 dogs sexually abused in city, animal activists demand amendments to BNS and PCA for stricter

    Two dogs were sexually abused in Mumbai, prompting outrage among animal welfare groups in the city. Animal activists are calling for changes to existing laws to ensure stricter penalties for such offenses. The incidents occurred in Malad and Kandivali, leaving police to rely on weaker and bailable sections due to legal gaps. Activists demand amendments to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

From the Library

  • CBI DRI Joint Action Busts Wildlife Trafficking Racket 53 Protected Animals/ Birds Rescued, 06 Accused Arrested

    Official Release

    CBI DRI Joint Action Busts Wildlife Trafficking Racket 53 Protected Animals/ Birds Rescued, 06 Accused Arrested

    The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and DRI, Mumbai, conducted a joint operation that disrupted a wildlife trafficking network, resulting in the rescue of 53 protected animals and birds. The operation, supported by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, involved multiple locations in Maharashtra and West Bengal. Rescued species included 15 Slow Loris, 2 Binturong, 28 Star Tortoises, 6 Egyptian Vultures, and 2 Shikra birds. Six suspects were arrested, three in Mumbai and three in Kolkata, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Criminal Conspiracy under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The investigation is ongoing.

  • Celebrating a Century of Wildlife and Wonder: MIFF 2026 Honours David Attenborough

    Official Release

    Celebrating a Century of Wildlife and Wonder: MIFF 2026 Honours David Attenborough

    MIFF 2026, the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival, screened Secrets of Wild India, narrated by David Attenborough, to mark his centenary. The Press Information Bureau release describes the three-part series, directed by Duncan Chard, as covering India's jungles, mountains and deserts. Its Desert Lions chapter is set in the desert of northwest India, and the series shows the gaur, Hanuman langur and wild dogs alongside better-known animals. One sequence shows a tigress sparing a baby deer; another shows desert heat driving wild pigs to mud and deer to risk their lives for water.

  • VINEETA SRINANDAN versus HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY ON ITS OWN MOTION (2025INSC1408)

    Judgment

    VINEETA SRINANDAN versus HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY ON ITS OWN MOTION (2025INSC1408)

    The Supreme Court of India is reviewing a case involving Vineeta Srinandan and the High Court of Judicature at Bombay, focusing on the validity of the High Court's judgment regarding an apology refusal. The case arose from a challenge to the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 by Seawoods Estates Ltd., which included an intervention application concerning the actions of Srinandan, a former director. The proceedings took place on 10 Dec 2025.