Four persons, including two from Tamil Nadu, were arrested by Forest officials at Shanghumugham on Monday for attempting to sell leopard pelt. The pelt and two vehicles used by the accused were confiscated.
The operation was conducted by around 3 p.m. on a tip-off received by Assistant Conservator of Forests S. Santhosh Kumar. The team of officials led by J.R. Ani, Divisional Forest Officer, Flying Squad, Thiruvananthapuram, and S.V. Vinod, Range Officer, Palode, apprehended the four-member gang who arrived in two luxury vehicles.
Those arrested are Shanu (34), Charles (35), both from Vilavancode in Kanyakumari; Sujas (45) of Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram; and Santhosh (39) of Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram. They will be produced before the Nedumangad Forest Court.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the duo from Tamil Nadu were linked to an inter-State animal poaching racket. They said the pelt was obtained from Tamil Nadu and was to be sold in the city.
A case has been registered in the Palode forest range under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Poaching leopards, included in Schedule 1 of the Act, could attract a fine up to Rs.1 lakh and imprisonment up to 7 years.
Mr. Vinod said more leads in the case could be obtained only after a detailed probe. He, however, said the animal skin was some years old.
