AJK wildlife department fines Deputy Commissioner Haveli Rs 220,000 for illegal possession of protected Grey Goral

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Wildlife Department has imposed a fine of Rs 220,000 on Deputy Commissioner Haveli

MUZAFFARABAD / HAVELI (Kahuta): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Wildlife Department has imposed a fine of Rs 220,000 on Deputy Commissioner Haveli (Kahuta) Raja Imran Shaheen over the alleged illegal possession of a protected Grey Goral at his official residence.

According to an official challan and penalty order, a copy of which is available with Minute Mirror, the officer was found in possession of the rare wild animal, which is protected under the AJK Wildlife Protection Act 2014.

The order, bearing reference No. EPA/213/2026 and dated September 10 and October 11, 2026, directs the payment of Rs 220,000 as compensation for the violation. The Wildlife Department has reportedly initiated recovery proceedings to ensure that the amount is deposited into the government treasury in accordance with the law.

Case Details

According to the available documents, wildlife officials received information that a Grey Goral was being kept illegally in captivity at the deputy commissioner’s official residence.

Following the information, the relevant staff conducted checks and subsequently initiated proceedings to examine the matter. The alleged violation was taken up during a hearing, where, according to the order, the charge was established.

The documents further state that Raja Imran Shaheen admitted to the violation during the proceedings. The competent authority subsequently imposed a penalty of Rs 220,000 under the relevant provisions, including Section 4, and directed that the amount be deposited immediately into the government treasury.

Following the issuance of the order, the Wildlife Department moved to recover the outstanding amount. Officials have indicated that further legal action may follow if the fine is not paid in accordance with the order.

Importance of Grey Goral Protection

The Grey Goral, also known as the Gray Goral, is a rare mountain-dwelling mammal found in parts of the Himalayan foothills, including areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The species faces conservation challenges associated with habitat loss, hunting and the illegal capture of wildlife. Its protected status reflects the importance of preserving the region’s natural biodiversity and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable animal populations.

Under applicable wildlife protection laws, the illegal capture, possession or hunting of protected animals can attract substantial penalties and other legal consequences, depending on the circumstances and relevant statutory provisions.

Wildlife conservation authorities are responsible for enforcing these protections and taking action against violations, regardless of the position or status of the individuals involved.

Public Reaction

The matter has attracted attention on social media, where a photograph of Deputy Commissioner Raja Imran Shaheen alongside the official penalty order has circulated.

Citizens and environmental advocates have focused on the significance of enforcement action involving a serving senior government official. Some have described the development as an important test of equal application of the law, arguing that wildlife regulations should apply to public officials and ordinary citizens alike.

The case has also drawn attention to the wider issue of illegal wildlife possession and the need for stronger monitoring to protect endangered and vulnerable species.

Further Action

The AJK Wildlife Department has been pursuing action against illegal hunting, possession and trafficking of protected wildlife across the region.

The recovery proceedings in the present case are intended to secure payment of the imposed penalty. Any additional measures would depend on compliance with the official order and the applicable legal process.

The development highlights the responsibility of public officials to comply with environmental and wildlife protection laws. It also underscores the role of enforcement agencies in safeguarding protected species and ensuring accountability when violations are established.

The department’s next steps will depend on the recovery of the fine and any further proceedings required under the law.