An Owl, a protected bird species, rescued from Naubise in Dhading has been released back to the community forest in Neelkanth Municipality-8 of the district. The Division Forest Office released the bird in the forest on Saturday.

The bird was retrieved from two people who were allegedly trying it to sell it. Based on a tip-off, the police team of the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police and the local police office of Khanikhola rescued the Owl from Naubise area on February 28.

Ramesh Syangtan of Thaha Municipality-12 of Makwanpur and Binod Lama of Ward No. 5 of Thakre Rural Municipality of Dhading have been arrested by police. Further investigation is underway.