Villagers of Biliyoor near Uppinangady in Puttur taluk allege that fishermen are allegedly poaching giant softshell turtle, which is an endangered species found in river beds, and making money by selling its meat and shell. Villagers brought the issue to the notice of Puttur MLA Shakunthala T Shetty.

Shakuntala told STOI that miscreants are poaching the turtle from the riverbed and selling it. "I have directed the police department to investigate the issue and take action to protect the endangered turtle species," she added.

Though police took two persons into custody for allegedly poaching turtle, they were let off due to lack of evidence. However, villagers have photographs of the remains of a dead turtle from the river bank at Biliyoor.

Meanwhile, police, who visited the spot and questioned fishermen, denied allegations that turtles are poached from the river bed. "We have visited the spot and questioned a few fishermen who hail from Gulbarga. They were not poaching turtle, but at the same time, they were fishing in the river. Local fishermen have made allegations of poaching against those fishermen from other district," said H D Mendonca, assistant superintendent of police, Puttur sub-division.

H Jayaprakash Bhandary, director, Dr Shivaram Karanth Biological Park at Pilikula Nisargadhama, said that poaching giant softshell turtles, which is botanically known as pelochelys cantorii, is an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act. "These turtles, which grow up to six feet long and weigh about 25 kg, play a significant role in the eco system. The turtle, which remains on the bottom surface of the river, locally known as 'poopalevu'. Such species should be protected for ecological balance," Bhandary said.