Shahtoosh Trader Convicted in Landmark Wildlife Crime Case spanning 17 years

A New Delhi court has convicted a Jaipur art gallery owner for attempting to illegally export Shahtoosh shawls – made from the hair of the critically endangered Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) – in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

What makes this case unique is the sustained coordination between four agencies – Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Customs, and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – for nearly 17 years.

For the first time a wildlife offence has been prosecuted through the CBI. Since a No Objection Certificate from wildlife authorities is required for Pashmina shawl exports, Official form the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) examined the consignment and identified shawls suspected to contain Shahtoosh fibre.

Forensic examination by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, confirmed Tibetan Antelope hair in 41 shawls – 5 in the first round and 36 more in further testing.

The accused was sentenced to 3 years of simple imprisonment and Rs. 50,000 fine under Section 49B(1)/51(1A), plus additional 2 years each concurrently under Sections 40 and 49. Seized shawls will become government property.

About Tibetan Antelope

The Tibetan Antelope, locally known as Chiru, is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and its trade is strictly prohibited under domestic law.

The Shahtoosh shawl trade has also been banned globally since 1975 under CITES, to which India is a signatory.

Source: PIB