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40-year-old arrested for killing barn owl in Outer Delhi's Sultanpur

According to the police the accused has been identified as Kanahaya (40), a resident of Sultanpuri, was arrested from his residence.

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The accused Kanahaya
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A 40-year-old man has been arrested for killing a barn owl in outer Delhi's Sultanpur area on Sunday night. Police said that black magic was the motive behind killing the owl.

Hunting and trading of any Indian owl species are banned under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

According to the police the accused has been identified as Kanahaya (40), a resident of Sultanpuri, was arrested from his residence.

"The Animal Welfare Board of India informed us about the matter. Following the tip-off, the residence of the accused was raided by the joint team of local police and officials from Animal Welfare Board of India and the barn owl was found dead," said Seju P Kuruvilla, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer).

A case under sections of Wildlife Protection Act, 11 (L) of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and section 429 (Mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were registered against him and the accused was arrested.

"During questioning, it was revealed that black magic was the motive behind the killing. It was some sort of a tantra ritual for sacrifice for which the owl was purchased from someone in Delhi," said Kuruvilla.

Superstitions about owls are by no means restricted to this country: with their big, blazing eyes, after-hours habits and unnerving calls, the birds have supernatural and often occult associations in many parts of the world. In India, tantriks and other practitioners use owls and their parts for such purposes as curing illness, combating evil spirits, bringing good fortune and facilitating witchcraft.

While trade in owls for black magic goes on year-round, certain seasons see significant spikes — especially the weeks approaching the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali. Diwali honours the goddess Lakshmi, and because owls are considered her vaahan, or vehicle, some believe their sacrifice on the holiday night of the new moon assures favour with the deity, who's associated with prosperity.

DETAILS

  • According to police the accused has been identified as Kanahaya (40), a resident of Sultanpuri.
     
  • A case under sections of Wildlife Protection Act, 11 (L) of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and section 429 (Mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of the IPC were registered against him.
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