Main suspect arrested for leopard killing sent on judicial remand

ABBOTTABAD: Authorities have arrested the main suspect involved in the killing of a rare leopard in Boi village, Abbottabad, and sent him to jail on judicial remand.

The leopard was brutally tortured and killed between August 14 and August 15. According to sources in the Hazara Wildlife Department, the carcass was discovered near a hill in the area.

Abbottabad SDFO Muhammad Mushtaq said protecting wildlife is the wildlife department’s top priority. He said that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

Officials confirmed that legal action is being taken against the suspect under the Wildlife Act, while efforts are under way to trace other individuals involved in torturing and killing the animal.

Male leopard found shot dead in AJK

Authorities said that they were strictly enforcing laws to prevent such incidents in the future.

Fishing in Ghazi Barrage Red Zone

Meanwhile, Illegal fishing activities continue at Ghazi Barrage’s red zone despite a ban imposed after recent heavy rains and flooding.

Sources said that people including children were seen fishing in sensitive areas of the barrage in violation of the red zone restrictions.

A video circulating on social media showed influential figures engaging in the activity without hindrance, while ordinary citizens are not even allowed near the site and face strict checks at security posts, including ID, vehicle, and motorcycle inspections.

Eyewitnesses said that groups of people fish in the red zone with impunity, even dangerously close to the point where water gushes out at high speed.

According to officials, they had banned public access to Tarbela Dam and all sensitive adjoining areas two days ago due to heavy rains and the flood situation.

However, fishing at Ghazi Barrage continued despite the presence of security personnel, raising serious doubts about enforcement.

Local residents have urged authorities to take immediate notice, tighten security in sensitive areas, and implement effective measures to prevent such violations in order to avert any major incident.