Court cites risk of absconding and gravity of offence in rejecting bail application of accused involved in international poaching racket
In a significant judgment, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has denied bail to Yangchen Lachungpa, an accused allegedly involved in an international poaching and wildlife trafficking racket. The bail application was filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and was heard by Justice Ramkumar Choubey at the Jabalpur Bench of the High Court.
The applicant, Yangchen Lachungpa, has been in custody since December 2, 2025, following her arrest in connection with a case registered in 2015. The case pertains to the illegal poaching and trafficking of wild animals, including the endangered Pangolin species, under various sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The prosecution alleges Lachungpa's involvement with an international gang whose operations extend beyond the borders of India.
During the proceedings, the counsel for the applicant argued that Lachungpa was innocent and had been wrongfully implicated based on a memorandum. They highlighted the lack of legally admissible evidence directly connecting her to the crime. The defense pointed out that previous money transactions dated back to 2012, long before the alleged poaching incident in 2015, and emphasized the applicant's status as a woman in custody for an extended period. They contended that no substantial purpose would be served by her continued detention, given the potential lengthiness of the trial.
Contrarily, the Government Advocate representing the State strongly opposed the bail application, asserting the applicant's integral role in the international poaching network. The State highlighted that Lachungpa had previously absconded for eight years, leading to the issuance of a Red Corner Notice by Interpol. The court was informed that Lachungpa had been granted interim bail by the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Gangtok, Sikkim, with conditions to appear before the investigating officer, which she failed to comply with, resulting in her re-arrest.
Justice Choubey, after examining the case records and hearing both parties, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and the well-founded apprehension that Lachungpa might not remain available for trial. The court underscored the gravity of the offense and the risk of absconding, ultimately deciding against granting bail.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's stance on combating wildlife crimes, especially those involving international syndicates. The court's decision reflects a cautious approach in dealing with cases where the accused poses a significant flight risk, thereby impacting the integrity of judicial proceedings.
Bottom line:-
Bail application under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (B.N.S.) was dismissed for an accused allegedly involved in an international poaching and wildlife trafficking racket, citing prima facie evidence, gravity of the offence, and risk of absconding.
Statutory provision(s): Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Sections 2(16), 9, 39, 44, 49, 50, 51, 52, 57 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
