Raj govt assures probe in illegal partridge poaching

The BJP government in Rajasthan today assured the state Assembly that a high level probe would be ordered and action taken against those involved in the illegal poaching of partridge and peacocks.
Responding to Independent MLA Manak Chand Surana who raised the issue in the House on the first day of its current session, Minister in-charge G C Kataria said a high level probe would be undertaken in the alleged poaching and arson incident in the partridge poaching case reported in Bikaner district earlier this month.
He also said that if any police officer was found guilty, he would be punished, but without conducting a thorough investigation, action cannot be taken on floor of the House.

Surana, whose motion was rejected, said eleven patridges were killed by poachers at Bapaiu village in Bikaner on September 4, and when villagers chased them, the poachers fled leaving the vehicle and carcasses of patridges. 8 villagers, who seized the vehicle and took it to police, were arrested and sent ot jail.
Demanding action in the incident, Surana said government should take action under Wildlife Protection laws, order an enquiry by state CID-crime branch, and suspend a circle officer for arresting innocent villagers.
Replying to Surana's allegations, Kataria said it was also to be ascertained who set fire to the local police station and a hand driven cart and vehicle on the same day.

Meanwhile, senior Congress MLA Pradhyuman Singh said 91 people were killed in the state due to snake bite as anti-poison injection was not available in the market and government hospitals for the last 45 days, to which Health Minister R S Rathor said he would make a reply at an appropriate time in the House.
Another Congress MLA Ghanshyam alleged that no work civil works, specially on road construction was done in his Todabheem constituency in 90 days of BJP rule.
"The reality of false claims of BJP government would be exposed in tomorrow's result of four bypolls in the state," he said sparking tension in treasury members who wanted to react, but the Speaker did not allow them.