In view of the practice of Owl sacrifice observed by those believing in black magic, the forest department is on an alert mode to save the endangered bird. It is believed by Tantriks that worshipping an owl on the auspicious night of Deepawali pleases Goddess Lakshmi.

It is worth mentioning here that any kind of harm to the wildlife by human action is prohibited according to the 'Wildlife Protection Act 1972'. Enactment of this act is to protect endangered wild species.

The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected there with or ancillary or incidental thereto. Convicts can be jailed and marked for higher penalities if they have been found assailant of any such conviction to owls.

"Forest department is taking serious steps to maintain the prohibition of the said act", claimed the officials. 

The District Forest Officer (DFO) of Haridwar,  Akash Verma said that the department is active to save the Owls from the hands of smugglers or Tantriks.

He also suggested that by spreading awareness through the different versions of social media, the prevailing superstitions can be countered.

“The department is spreading the awareness on the issue. Since Owl is also a preserved category bird so it cannot be harmed in any way.

It is a serious offence to buy, sell and its trafficking of Owls. Nails and feather of owls have also been sold on the day by smugglers.

If caught, they will also be penalised under WPA, 1972", he said.