Telangana state bird rescued from illegal captivity in Hyderabad, four birds freed

Hyderabad: The Telangana state bird, the Indian roller, was rescued from illegal captivity in Hyderabad, where police freed four birds during raids at three locations around Dussehra. Hyderabad City Police acted on information from alert citizens after some people allegedly confined the birds in cages and caused them distress.

The Indian roller holds cultural significance during Dussehra, when people traditionally seek its sight as a good omen. However, some individuals allegedly exploited the custom by illegally capturing the birds and displaying them for commercial gain.

Despite Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar’s warning of strict legal action against animal cruelty, the practice continued in some areas. Following public alerts, police coordinated with wildlife officials to rescue the birds and hand them over to forest authorities.

Telangana state bird rescued in raids across three locations

At the Bapughat temple in Langar Houz, police freed two Indian rollers from cramped cages. They later handed the birds to forest officials at KBR Park.

In a separate operation near the Sri Chitragupta Swamy temple in Chatrinaka, officers rescued another Indian roller from a cage hanging on a tree. Police also recovered a fourth bird from a cage near the Balajinagar temple in Mangalhat. They handed the rescued birds to forest officials for further care.

Sajjanar said police would coordinate with the Forest Department to pursue strict legal action against those who trapped the birds. He criticised the use of wildlife for commercial gain under the cover of religious customs.

The Commissioner said genuine devotion required compassion for living creatures. He questioned how a bird’s suffering inside a cage could be considered an auspicious sight during a festival. He added that religious observances should not involve depriving wildlife of its freedom.

Meanwhile, Sajjanar urged citizens not to support practices that harm wildlife for money. He asked the public to report incidents involving cruelty to animals or illegal captivity of wild birds.

Citizens can report such incidents through the toll-free numbers 1800-425-5364 and 9803338666, or by calling Dial 112. Police urged people to share information promptly so authorities could respond to wildlife-related offences.