Pune: Forest Dept Seizes 500 KG Peacock Feathers, 11 Arrested
Pune Forest Department Busts Illegal Peacock Feather Trade; 11 Arrested, 500 Kg Feathers Seized
Pune, 4 July 2025
The Pune Forest Department has carried out a major operation in the Somwar Peth area, cracking down on individuals illegally selling peacock feathers. On July 4, 2025, acting on a tip-off about illegal storage and sale of peacock feathers at Narpatgiri Chowk, Somwar Peth, Pune, forest officials conducted a raid and detained 11 individuals. During questioning, the accused admitted they had brought the peacock feathers for sale without any legal authorization.
Further interrogation revealed that additional stock was being stored by their associates at Sant Gadgebaba Dharmashala in the same area. Upon inspection, officials discovered approximately 400 to 500 kilograms of peacock feathers illegally stockpiled. The seized materials and the 11 accused, all residents of Uttar Pradesh, were taken into custody.
A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and further investigation is underway under the leadership of Assistant Conservator of Forests, Mangesh Tate.
This entire operation was carried out under the guidance of Conservator of Forests Mr. Ashish Thackeray, Deputy Conservator of Forests Mahadev Mohite, and Assistant Conservator Mangesh Tate by Forest Range Officers Rishikesh Chavan (Mobile Squad), Manoj Barbole (Bhamburda), Suresh Vark and their team.
Important Advisory: The peacock is India’s national bird, and it is illegal to pluck, store, sell, or purchase its feathers. Such acts are punishable under Indian law. Peacock feathers are often used due to superstitious beliefs or for decorative purposes, but this practice threatens the existence of the species.
The Forest Department appeals to all citizens to avoid buying or selling peacock feathers and to immediately report any such illegal activity to help protect India’s national bird.
— Conservator of Forests, Pune
