MITHI, July 10: Despite a ban on hunting and poaching, rare and endangered species are being killed in the game sanctuary area of Nagarparkar by influential hunters in connivance with game watchers posted there, it emerged on Tuesday.

Reports said that another antelope was hunted by influential men near the village of Purkhe Ji Dhani on July 8. An antelope was hunted near Sone Ji Dhani on July 4.

The wildlife department has registered two cases after an inquiry. Sobhdar Khoso, Sardar Khan Khoso, Hariram Kolhi, Hathu Kolhi and other local people have been accused of being involved in hunting of an antelope near the village of Sone Ji Dhani in one case.

Sobhdar Khoso, Mumtaz Khoso, Hamiro Kolhi, Ramchand Kolhi and others have been nominated in the other case for hunting an antelope near the village of Purkhe Ji Dhani.

Game watchers Suleman Khoso and Usman Kumbhar said spent casings of cartridges and marks of blood of hunted animals were seen at the places of the crime.

Meat of hunted antelopes had been served in a feast arranged for the alleged hunters, he said. Around 160kg meat can be obtained from an antelope.

However, talking to reporters, Sobhdar Khoso rejected the charge against him and other accused and said game watchers Suleman Khoso, Usman Kumbhar and Umer were his opponents and they had registered fake cases against him and others.

He alleged that game watchers themselves were involved in the hunting of two antelopes. He alleged that Suleman Khoso had received Rs21,000 bribe a month ago and allowed hunters to kill an antelope.

District Game Inspector Ashfaq Memon said that an initial inquiry had revealed that the accused might not be involved in the hunting but game watchers and others had committed the offence.