Patna, Nov 22 (IANS) A Gangetic dolphin, an endangered species, was killed by poachers on the banks of the river here, an official said Sunday.
The official said the 1.6 metre long national aquatic animal is suspected to have been killed by poachers Saturday.

Bihar’s chief Wildlife Warden B.A. Khan has ordered the forest officials to lodge an FIR and investigate the case.

Unconfirmed reports said at least half-a-dozen dolphins have been killed by poachers in Patna district in the last few months. But it was for the first time that a dolphin killed by poachers accidentally got trapped in the net of a fisherman who left it on the bank of the river here.

R.K. Sinha, a well-known expert on Gangetic dolphins, said about 15 dolphins had been reportedly killed in different parts of Bihar this year.

Sinha, head of the zoology department of Patna University, said it was unfortunate that a dolphin was found killed behind the office of the district magistrate of Patna.

“It shows that poachers are free to kill dolphins without fearing anyone. It is an alarming situation. Authorities concerned should take it seriously,” Sinha told IANS.