Home / Crime and Justice / Leopard Poaching Case: HC Pulls Protection
Leopard Poaching Case: HC Pulls Protection
10 Sep
Summary
- Court withdrew interim relief for Wildlife SOS chief Kartick Satyanarayan.
- Allegations concern poaching of 10 leopards in Chambal division.
- Chief failed to cooperate with the investigation as ordered.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rescinded interim protection for Kartick Satyanarayan, the chief of Wildlife SOS. This decision stems from his alleged failure to fully disclose vital facts and cooperate with the State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) investigation into the poaching of 10 leopards in the Chambal division. The Gwalior bench noted that Satyanarayan had not approached the court with clean hands.
The STSF is investigating the alleged hunting of protected wildlife and the subsequent movement of wildlife articles, including leopard skins recovered in Uttar Pradesh. The court acknowledged that the investigation in Madhya Pradesh covers the alleged source and hunting of animals within the state, distinct from the UP case concerning the possession of contraband. Satyanarayan, despite receiving multiple summons, including an arrest warrant issued on August 31, 2026, failed to appear before the STSF.
The court rejected the argument that Satyanarayan's past volunteer work with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau granted him investigative powers. The main writ petition filed by Satyanarayan remains pending, but he has been directed to appear before the investigating authority on September 21, 2026, and cooperate with the probe. The court found his attempts to seek additional time, citing family medical treatment, were disputed by the agency.
