An endangered fishing cat was beaten to death and hung from an electric pole in Musapur Union of Sandwip upazila, Chattogram. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Bashiria residential area after the animal was trapped overnight in a chicken farm owned by a local resident. Following the killing, locals tied the dead animal to a roadside electric pillar, drawing crowds of onlookers the next morning.

Environmental advocates said the destruction of natural habitats and food shortages often drive these animals into human settlements. They noted that fishing cats help farmers by preying on rats and snakes, and their killing poses a serious threat to ecological balance. Under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012, the fishing cat is a protected species, and killing it is a non-bailable offense punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to one million taka.

Officials from the Coastal Forest Department’s Sandwip Range confirmed that a team was dispatched to the site to collect evidence. They stated that legal action will be taken against those responsible following investigation.