Diplomat Correspondent
Ladakh,DD, A viral video on social media showing several people holding a Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana), a Schedule-l protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was brought to the notice of the Department of Wildlife Protection on the evening of 9th July, 2025.
An investigation team was immediately constituted for investigating into the matter and for identifying the individual seen in the video.
Upon preliminary enquiry, it was found that the video was of the Chusumla area of Nyoma Sub-division. The investigation team then proceeded to Chusumla for conducting further investigation.
The individual who filmed and shared the video, was identified and his statement was recorded.
With the assistance of Army personnel at the Chusumla, the investigation team located the tent premises on the morning of 10th July, 2025 where individuals seen in the video were residing. The accused admitted to being part of the video and setting the marmot free afterwards.
On searching the area, team found a snare made from military signal wire and blocked burrow exits.
Five individuals were detained and brought to Leh. They were medically examined at the SNM hospital, Leh and were presented before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Leh on 11th July 2025 for remand. The Department of Wildlife Protection received remand of the accused for a period of 3 days.
Issued by:
Department of Wildlife Protection UT of Ladakh.