Four Indian Rollers (Palapitta), the State bird of Telangana, were rescued from iron cages at three locations in Hyderabad after they were confined during the Dasara festivities, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar said.

Acting on information provided by citizens, police teams conducted raids in Langer Houz, Chatrinaka and Mangalhat, rescuing all four birds alive and handing them over to Forest department officials.

Two Indian Rollers were found confined in cramped iron cages near a temple at Bapu Ghat in Langer Houz. The police rescued the birds and handed them over to Forest officials at KBR Park.

In another operation, an Indian Roller was rescued from a cage hanging from a tree near the Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple in Chatrinaka. The fourth bird was found confined in a cage near a temple in Balaji Nagar, Mangalhat.

The police said the birds were kept in captivity during the festival despite prior warnings against capturing or harming wildlife. In a statement shared on X, Mr. Sajjanar criticised the practice of confining the State bird for commercial gain under the pretext of religious traditions.

He said the birds were subjected to severe distress by being kept in cramped cages, with some allegedly deprived of food and water.

He emphasised that religious devotion should be reflected in compassion towards living creatures rather than practices that deprive wildlife of freedom.

The Commissioner said clear warnings were issued ahead of the festival that those found capturing or harming birds would face stringent legal action. However, some individuals continued the practice despite the warnings.

The police are coordinating with the Forest department to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for confining the birds. The Commissioner also appealed to citizens not to encourage the capture or commercial exploitation of wildlife during religious celebrations.

Public who come across incidents involving the illegal confinement or mistreatment of wildlife were urged to report them through the toll-free numbers 18004255364 and 9803338666, or the emergency response number 112.