Forest Dept files case against UP man who rescued Sarus crane

The crane, which had lived with Arif Khan Gurjar in Mandkha village of Amethi district, was treated as a family member and even accompanied Gurjar to his fields.

However, on March 21, the Forest department officials took the bird away and shifted it to the Samaspur sanctuary in Rae Bareli so that it could live in its natural habitat, said media reports.

The department has issued a notice to Gurjar, asking him to appear at the office of the Gauriganj divisional forest officer on April 4 to provide a statement.

The notice states that Gurjar has been charged with relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act.

The day after the bird was taken away, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav held a press conference where he criticized the Forest department's action and indirectly asked if any official had the courage to take away the peacocks from the Prime Minister's residence.

Arif Khan Gurjar was also present at the press conference but did not speak.

Yadav had visited Gurjar after he became famous for his "friendship" with the bird and shared pictures of himself with the bird and Gurjar on social media.

The Sarus crane, which is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh,  is often seen in the wetlands and agricultural fields along the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

Sarus cranes are known for their distinctive red head and upper neck, which contrasts with their grey feathers. They are monogamous and mate for life, and they build large nests on the ground using reeds and grasses.

Uttar Pradesh is also home to other crane species, including the Common crane and Demoiselle crane. These cranes migrate to the state during the winter months from colder regions in the north.

Unfortunately, like many other bird species in India, cranes face threats from habitat loss due to agricultural and industrial development, as well as from hunting and poaching.