Barmer Agor: In Rajasthan's Barmer Agor village, a unique form of protest has drawn the media's attention, wherein a deep freezer is placed at the heart of a sit-in demanding justice for two slain chinkaras (gazelle).
Inside the freezer lie the preserved carcasses of the endangered deer, held by locals as key evidence in a case that has sparked anger among the Bishnoi community and animal rights activists.
Have a look at some visuals of the sit-in protest here:
Bishnoi Community Proposes 3-Day Ultimatum
The protest began after two chinkara carcasses were discovered in a sack under a bridge late Friday night (May 30). The Bishnois, known for their fierce commitment to wildlife protection, have alleged deliberate poaching. Despite 10 suspects being detained for questioning, no formal arrests were made, prompting accusations of inaction.
“More gazelles have been killed, but the hunters could not take these with them. The forest department is saying they need time. They do nothing,” a protester told NDTV. The community has now issued a three-day ultimatum, warning that protests will intensify, including road blockades, if arrests are not made soon.
Why Is the Freezer Placed at the Protest?
The presence of a deep freezer at the protest site, holding the animal remains, has become both a symbolic and practical move — preserving the bodies for forensic investigation, while also drawing attention to the seriousness of the issue. Protesters have camped at the site with food, supplies, and even music, indicating a prolonged stir.
Chinkaras are protected under Indian wildlife laws and are considered sacred in Rajasthan’s desert belt. Their poaching, often for meat or trophies, remains a persistent threat. Authorities have said CCTV footage from nearby areas is being scanned to identify the culprits.
