Man arrested for brutally killing endangered fishing cat with spear in Chuadanga

A man has been arrested for brutally killing a fishing cat, of endangered species, using a spear yesterday in Damurhuda in Chudanga.
The main accused Alamgir Hossain was arrested after a raid in the Dhanyaghara village this afternoon and he will be handed over to the court after legal procedures, said Darshana Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Shahid Titumir.
Two others accused Mintu and Saiful Islam, however, remain absconding.
This morning, a team of the Darshana Police Station, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer visited the scene and collected evidence. Police have also recovered the spear.
The body of the cat was recovered and buried in the village's Manikdoa field.
The incident took place on Friday afternoon in a paddy field in Battala Para of Dhanyaghara village under Kuralgachi union at Damurhuda upazila.
In a video circulating on social media, the fishing cat can be seen trying to free itself from the spear stabbing its body as blood kept flowing.
The spear was lifted once the man was sure that the fishing cat had died.
In the video, one man can be heard saying from the side, "You have ended its life, Alamgir."
Damurhuda Upazila Officer Forest Officer Mizanur Rahman said a case has been filed under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act at the Darshana Police Station by the Forest Department.
"The animal was killed brutally. We demand exemplary punishment for the accused," he added.
Damurhuda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tithi Mitra said all necessary measures have been taken after inspecting the scene with the help of the Forest Department and Darshana Police Station. "The killing of the animal was horrific. Nobody can kill wild animals."