The Judicial Magistrate First Class, Wokha, Julian Silthou, has convicted and sentenced four individuals for the brutal killing of a Great Indian Hornbill, an endangered species, at Bhandari Town under Wokha district in June 2022. The incident, which triggered nationwide outrage after a disturbing video went viral on social media, showed the bird being tortured and killed.
The accused, Myanthung Ezung, Nribemo Patton, Rhyuzamo Patton, and Renthungo Mozhui, were found guilty under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The conviction was based on a complaint filed under Section 55 of the Act by H Tokaho Kinimi, IFS, Wildlife Warden in-charge, Wildlife Crime Control Branch, Wildlife Division, Dimapur, Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland.
Assistant Public Prosecutor K. Renpemo Tungoe represented the complainant during the trial.
The court emphasized the principle of proportionality, considering societal interests and the seriousness of the crime in awarding the sentence.
The incident, which occurred on June 6, 2022, drew massive condemnation after a video surfaced on WhatsApp and Twitter. Shared by People for Animals in India, the video showed a man beating the bird with a bamboo stick while two others restrained it by the wings. The bird, appearing lifeless, was then stomped on and held by its beak in a final act of brutality.
The Great Indian Hornbill is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Indian wildlife laws.