The forest department and the wild life protection squad had raided Faleiro's house on Monday evening and had seized over 3kg of meat suspected to be that of wild animals.

"The samples of the meat seized have been sent to the veterinary department for investigations. We are awaiting the report. If the report confirms that the meat is of some wild animals, we will proceed with the case against the accused as per the law. If investigations require, we will arrest the accused," deputy conservator of forests, south Goa division, M K Shambu, told TOI on Tuesday.

The accused was detained by the forest officials following the raid on Monday evening and was further interrogated on Tuesday.

Shambu, however, declined to divulge any further details about the case "as that could hamper the course of investigations."

"Investigations are underway. The very fact that a case has been registered implies that there is an element of suspicion with regards to the nature of the meat seized. We are probing into the case through all angles," Shambhu added.

Asked about the political interference into the case, Shambhu made light of the issue. "Wild life laws are very strict. Once we have registered the case, there is no going back."

TOI had earlier reported how attempts were made by at least two politicians to convince the forest officials to let the accused off the hook.

As regards steps taken by the forest department to curb the incidents pertaining to poaching of wild life, Shambu said that "special efforts have been put to intensify patrolling in forest areas by forest officials."

"The forest department is laying emphasis on twin areas - conducting awareness (about protection of wild life) and enforcing law. However, the objectives can be achieved only when we get the desired co-operation from the public," Shambu stressed.