Police rescue four caged Indian Rollers during Dussehra

Hyderabad police rescued four Indian Rollers -- Telangana's state bird -- from iron cages at three locations during Dussehra, acting on tip-offs from citizens. Officials warned of strict action against those who capture the protected birds over the superstition that sighting them brings good luck.

Acting on information from vigilant citizens, Hyderabad City Police conducted raids at three locations and rescued four Indian Rollers, also called Palapitta, that had been caged during Dussehra celebrations, Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said on Wednesday. Two birds were found in cramped cages near a temple at Bapu Ghat in Langer Houz, one was hanging in a cage from a tree near the Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple in Chatrinaka, and a fourth was caged near a temple in Balaji Nagar, Mangalhat.

All four birds were alive and have been handed over to forest officials at KBR Park. The Commissioner said strict legal action is being initiated against those responsible, noting that police had issued clear warnings earlier that harming the birds would invite punishment.

Every Dussehra, bird catchers capture Indian Rollers to display them near temples and pandals, charging devotees for a guaranteed sighting -- a practice driven by the belief that spotting the bird brings good fortune. The birds are protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and violations can bring heavy fines or imprisonment; the Commissioner urged citizens to report any caged bird by calling 112.