Hyderabad: The Forest Department has registered a wildlife case against two persons and others in connection with the release of a Palapitta (Indian Roller), the State bird of Telangana, during a Dussehra event at Uppal Mini Stadium.

The action followed the circulation of a video on social media showing the bird being released during the event, prompting the department to initiate action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

According to the District Forest Officer, Medchal district, a case was registered on October 21 against Eega Chandra Shekar, a resident of Uppal, P Parameshwar Reddy, also a resident of Uppal, and others. The case was booked under Sections 39(3), 57, 51 and 52 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, read with Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The department said the involvement of the persons concerned had been preliminarily identified and notices had been issued to them in accordance with legal procedure.

Further investigation is under way. The Forest Department said further legal action would be initiated after the investigation was completed and the accused would be produced before the competent magistrate for further proceedings in accordance with law.