A Nilgai's tale of mistaken identity in Bihar!

In a typical case of mistaken identity, a Nilgai, wrongly identified as a Deer, has been languishing at the forest department's office in Bihar's Katihar. Rescued from the 2012 floods, the animal's identification and official red tape have become a 'bone of contention' for its release into the forests.

Katihar (Bihar): Considered as one of the largest Asian antelopes, endemic to the Indian subcontinent, a Nilgai, wrongly identified as a 'Deer', has been stuck in a case of mistaken identity in Bihar's Katihar!Languishing in the forest department's office for the past 8 years, the animal's released into the nearby forests has been bogged down by official red tape.

According to sources, the Nilgai was rescued during 2012 floods, which caused massive loss to life and property. It is said that the forest department officials brought the animal, here, based on the information they had received from Diyara, falling under the limits of Amdabad police station.

A veterinarian, who had then examined the animal, mistakenly labelled the Nilgai as Deer, resulting in its 'wrongful detention' (with the forest department) for the past 8 years. Since then, the Nilgai has been in the process of proving its existence, reportedly attributed to the fault of a government official.

In this context, Katihar's Forest Range Officer B L Mandal cited a few rules which allegedly prevented him from releasing the animal into the wild. He further stated that the Nilgai had turned 'domestic', owing to its stay, and claimed that the animal would return even if it was left in the forest.

When questioned about the option of animal exchange with Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park or other zoological parks of the state, the official replied that they will have to handover a deer, as per the official records. On the contrary, the Nilgai has to be nursed in Katihar.