After a man named Arif in Uttar Pradesh nursed an injured Saras bird back to health, the bird became very attached to him and followed him around everywhere. Their story gained popularity in the news, but eventually, the Raibareli bird conservation team intervened and took custody of the bird. It is unclear whether the bird was kept within any boundaries before the conservation team stepped in and took it to a bird conservatory under the supervision of forest officials.
In India, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides legal protection to wild animals, including birds like the Saras. The act prohibits the hunting, killing, or capture of wild animals without the permission of the appropriate authorities.
If the Saras was not kept in captivity, it would technically still be considered a wild animal and would fall under the protection of the Wildlife Protection Act. Therefore, the Raibareli bird conservation team may have had the legal authority to take the Saras into their custody if they deemed it necessary for the bird's well-being or conservation.
It's also important to note that even if a person has taken care of an injured or sick animal, it does not necessarily give them ownership or custody rights over the animal. In cases where the animal is protected by law, it is typically the responsibility of the appropriate authorities to ensure the animal's protection and welfare.
However Akhilesh Yadav blamed the govt that since he met the man and the bird that's why forest department took action.