Hyderabad, Oct 21 (Maxim News) : Hyderabad City Police rescued four Indian rollers, known as Palapitta in Telugu and the state bird of Telangana, from illegal captivity at three locations across the city during Dussehra, following complaints from alert citizens.
The rescue operation came after Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar warned against trapping and selling the birds in the name of festival traditions.
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According to the police and wildlife officials, the birds were allegedly confined in cages as part of a practice associated with viewing the Palapitta during Dussehra for good luck.
Police teams acted on public information and rescued the birds before handing them over to forest officials for further care.
The operation highlights concerns over the illegal capture and sale of wild birds during festivals, when traditional beliefs can be exploited for commercial gain.
Hyderabad Police Rescue Palapitta at Three Locations
Police rescued two Indian rollers near the Bapughat temple in Langar Houz, where the birds were reportedly kept in cramped cages. Officials freed them and handed them over to forest authorities associated with KBR Park.
In a separate operation near the Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple in Chatrinaka, police rescued another Indian roller that had been confined in a cage suspended from a tree.
A fourth bird was rescued near a temple in Balajinagar, Mangalhat, where it was also allegedly being kept in a cage. Police subsequently handed the rescued birds over to forest officials.
Authorities said they would coordinate with the Forest Department to initiate legal action against those responsible for trapping and confining the birds.
Hyderabad Police | V.C. Sajjanar Appeals for Compassion Towards Wildlife
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar condemned the practice of confining birds in the name of festival customs and appealed to the public to treat wildlife with compassion.
He said that keeping a helpless bird imprisoned, potentially without adequate food or water, was neither beneficial nor consistent with the spirit of a festival.
“True devotion lies in compassion for living beings, not in imprisoning nature,” Sajjanar said, urging people not to encourage practices that deprive wild animals of their freedom for financial gain.
The police commissioner also called on citizens to report incidents involving harm to wildlife. He urged the public to contact the helplines 1800-425-5364 and 9803338666, or dial 112, if they witness suspected wildlife offences.
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The Indian roller, widely known as Palapitta in Telangana, is closely associated with Dussehra traditions. However, authorities have cautioned against capturing or confining the bird to facilitate festival-related viewing.
The rescue operation serves as a reminder that cultural traditions should not become an excuse for wildlife exploitation. Public awareness and timely reporting can help authorities protect birds and prevent their illegal capture and sale. (Maxim News)
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