Rally in Sehore Violates Wildlife Laws

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – The Forest Department has initiated a Preliminary Offence Report (POR) against an identified individual and several others for organizing a mud car rally without the necessary permissions in the Rehli jungles of Sehore district on August 15. The investigation is ongoing, but no arrests have been made at this time. The accused face charges under various sections of the Wildlife Act. Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Rajesh Khare confirmed to Free Press that the POR was filed after it was revealed that approximately 20 to 25 participants took part in the rally in a dense forest area, just five kilometers from the Ratapani Sanctuary. The event took place in the Khanpura beat area, where the noise and disturbance from the vehicles raised concerns about the impact on local wildlife. The POR specifically cites Yasin Khan and several unidentified individuals for violations of the Wildlife Prevention Act of 1972, including Sections 2, 9, and 51. Reports indicate that around 20 vehicles were seen circling near the Bhagner river, creating significant noise that could disrupt the natural habitat of nearby tigers and leopards. The Forest Department became aware of the unauthorized rally after a video of the event circulated on social media, although it has since been removed. Senior forest officials are closely monitoring the investigation as they seek to address the potential harm caused to the wildlife in the area.