Lucknow, Dec. 9 -- Rahimabad police on Monday arrested two men for illegally hunting Flying Foxes (fruit bats), a species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The suspects were found carrying 22 bats, two alive and 20 dead, along with a hunting net and a rope used in the act. According to a police press note, routine checks were underway at the Daroga Chakki crossing when officers stopped a motorcycle carrying two individuals with a large yellow sack. On inspection, the sack was discovered to contain the bats, prompting immediate action. "The accused were identified as Rahul, 23, of Bhaidas Kheda and Vishal Kumar, 19, of Bhikhari Kheda, both residents of Rahimabad. During questioning, they failed to produce any valid explanation for possessing the animals," the press note stated. Police subsequently alerted the forest department. Deputy ranger Devesh Paranjpe confirmed that the seized bats belonged to the Flying Fox species, which is protected and whose hunting is strictly prohibited and punishable under law. A case has been registered at Rahimabad police station under Sections 9, 51, 39 and 48(A) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972....