Haldwani, June 19 -- A man from Uttar Pradesh has been arrested for allegedly killing a protected bird species, Spotted Dove, with an air gun in the Garud Tal area of Nainital district, an official said on Wednesday. Sub-divisional officer of the Nainital forest division, Mamta Chand, said the accused, identified as Amit Samuel, a resident of Prayagraj, was part of a group of tourists visiting the area. "On Tuesday afternoon, while roaming in the Garud Tal area, the tourist pulled out an air gun and shot at a Spotted Dove. The bird was critically injured and died on the spot," she said. She added that the Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) is a protected species listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits its hunting, capturing, or trading. Though Schedule IV violations carry lighter penalties compared to those under Schedules I and II, hunting the bird is still a punishable offence. "Sattal and Garud Tal are designated bird watching areas. Hunting any protected species here is illegal. A case has been registered against the accused under sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and he has been taken into custody," she added. According to forest officials, the incident came to light after a purported video - shot by local residents - showing the man firing at the bird was seen on social media. Acting on it, a forest team arrived at the spot and arrested the accused on Tuesday. HT has seen the video but could not verify its authenticity....