Youth Hunts Protected Animals for Social Media Fame

A disturbing trend has emerged in Jharkhand's Khunti district, where a young man allegedly hunted and killed wild animals, including protected species like the Russell's viper and Indian rock python. Videos documenting these acts, which also showed the youth cooking and consuming the meat, were regularly uploaded to social media platforms to attract likes and views. Animal rights activists alerted the Forest Department after several such videos went viral.

The Forest Department initiated an investigation and registered a case against the accused, identified as Lutar Purti. He was taken into custody for questioning regarding the serious offenses, which include hunting protected species under wildlife laws. Purti's family submitted an application claiming he is mentally disturbed and sought leniency for medical treatment after he reportedly fell ill from consuming snake meat. They also apologized on his behalf.

Following the questioning, the youth was released from custody after furnishing a bond, with his family assuring his cooperation with further investigations. Activists expressed deep concern over the normalization of animal killing for online entertainment, highlighting it as a dangerous societal development. The Forest Department stated that the investigation is ongoing, and strict legal action will be taken.