1st May, 2003

WPSI organised a one-day law enforcement workshop for members of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 28 April 2003 in Delhi. Thirty members of the CBI attended the workshop, which was designed to collectively overview poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and wildlife protection laws in India. Although much of the time was taken up examining the recent Amendment to The Wild Life (Protection) Act, recurring difficulties in investigation procedures provided much opportunity for discussion. Avoiding technical errors, at the time of filing complaints with the courts, which provide loopholes for the defence to exploit, was another area of intense discussion during the legal session. A joint statement will shortly be released with recommendations to the government.

Wildlife crime has clearly been on the increase throughout India and it has become increasingly important that the investigation and legal handling of such cases is strengthened. The CBI being the top most investigation authority in the country, is an important part of the efforts presently underway to curb wildlife crime. The Agency has been entrusted with some of the most important wildlife cases in recent times. The CBI has consistently endeavoured to live up to the task and their enthusiasm at the workshop and their willingness to take the issue further stands testimony to their commitment to curb illegal wildlife trade in India.