While a key accused, known to wildlife enforcers as ‘Eagle Rajan’, has remained absconding, forest officials have arrested his wife, identified as Mini (45). She was taken into custody from their house at Pettah here by a team of officials led by T. Uma, Divisional Forest Officer, Thiruvananthapuram, on Friday evening. She was handed over to officials from the Malayatoor Forest Division where the arrest was recorded on Saturday.

The investigators had recently found crucial details pertaining to the elephant poaching case from a personal journal of Rajan, who was allegedly involved in the trade of ivory products. He is believed to have played a role in arranging for collectibles that were illegally made using ivory to cater to the demands of wealthy clients.

According to reliable sources, Mini was also found to have had a role in the illegal trade after her bank records provided details regarding transactions made to other accused in the case, including Aji Bright, who was recently arrested in the city. Transactions amounting to nearly Rs.30 lakh had been made during the previous two years by the bank account, a source said. The official team faced tense moments when they had gone to apprehend the accused from her house. A group, claimed to be local residents, blocked passage of the team and questioned their motive.

The situation was brought under control when a police team rushed to the scene from the Pettah police station.

This was the 15th arrest that has been made from Thiruvananthapuram in connection with the case. Over 40 accused have been arrested as of yet in the State.

While key accused ‘Eagle Rajan’ has remained absconding, officials have arrested his wife, Mini, 45.