Kerala Forest Officials Nab 7-Member Gang in Major Tiger Skin Seizure
In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, forest officials and the forest vigilance wing in Kerala have successfully arrested a seven-member gang that was attempting to sell tiger skin, teeth, and claws. The operation culminated in a raid at Kathiroor in Kannur, with officials confirming the arrests on Sunday.
Tip-Off Leads to Initial Arrests and Seizures
Acting on a crucial tip-off, the enforcement team conducted a targeted search in Kathiroor, where they intercepted the gang. In the initial phase of the operation, three individuals were apprehended: Ashwin N from Eruvatty, and Sandeesh P M and Balan C, both from Cheruvanchery. During this arrest, forest officials seized a tiger skin, teeth, and claws from the suspects, along with the scooter they used to transport the illegal contraband.
Expanded Investigation Uncovers Broader Network
Based on information obtained during the interrogation of the first three accused, further investigations were swiftly carried out. This led to the arrest of the remaining four members of the gang. The additional suspects taken into custody include Sharath K K from Kallikkandy, who was traveling from Bengaluru; Rajeesh Kadachi from Mangad; Vithul V K from Cheruvanchery; and Rakhil T P from Malal.
Questioning of the gang revealed that the wildlife articles had been brought from Karnataka specifically for sale in Kerala. As part of the operation, a car used to transport the tiger skin from Karnataka to Kerala was also seized, highlighting the cross-state nature of the smuggling operation.
Team Effort and Legal Proceedings
The successful operation was executed by a dedicated team comprising Kottiyoor range officer Nithin Raj, Tholambra section beat forest officers Ramya K K and Vipeesh B C, and Kannur forest vigilance beat forest officers Mukesh K P, Priya C, and Shinil C. Their coordinated efforts ensured the gang was apprehended and the evidence secured.
Following the arrests, all seven accused were produced before the Thalassery JFCM court, where legal proceedings are now underway. This case underscores the ongoing challenges in combating wildlife trafficking and the critical role of vigilant enforcement in protecting endangered species like tigers.
