NAWABSHAH, Jan 10: At least 120 partridges and some crocodiles were hunted in the Pai Game Reserve, Sakrand and Jam branches, on Saturday by a senior law enforcement officer during a hunting programme despite a strict ban.

The programme was allegedly arranged by Rohri Canal chief engineer Ghulam Nabi Mughal during which the hunters, including some government officials of the district, hunted crocodiles at the Jam branch - a game sanctuary of the Wildlife Department where hunting is strictly prohibited.

Later, the hunters reached the Sakrand branch - an important shooting point where permission is given only by the chief minister, prime minister or the president himself.

When the news was relayed to the officers of the game department, they arrived at the spot and informed the hunters that the Sindh government had prohibited hunting in the area for three years to encourage breeding.

The deputy conservator (Wildlife) also informed the chief engineer that Sakrand taluka was closed for hunting this year and that the shooting of partridges was strictly prohibited.

Despite the caution, more than 120 partridges were shot down as the hunters were given full support allegedly by the local police as the Sakrand DSP was also accompanying them.