In a significant enforcement action, forest range officials from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district arrested a 65-year-old man on Saturday evening for the illegal possession of two slender lorises at his residence. The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to protect endangered wildlife in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The forest officer identified the arrested individual as K Shankar, a resident of Amman Nagar near Thekkampatti in Mettupalayam taluk. Acting on a specific tip-off, officials conducted a thorough search at Shankar's house, where they discovered the two slender lorises being kept in a cage. The animals were immediately seized, and Shankar was detained for further questioning.
Investigation and Legal Implications
During the inquiry, Shankar revealed to the forest officers that he had caught the slender lorises from a forest area near the Masaniamman temple in Mettupalayam. He claimed ignorance, stating that he was unaware that keeping slender lorises at home constituted an offence under Indian law.
Mettupalayam forest ranger S. M Sasikumar emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the slender loris is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This classification provides the highest level of legal protection, strictly prohibiting hunting, poaching, or trade of the species. Additionally, keeping lorises in captivity is an offence under both the original Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and its amended version in 2022.
Legal Proceedings and Outcome
Following the arrest, Shankar was formally booked under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. He was produced before a judicial magistrate and subsequently released on bail. This case highlights the stringent measures in place to safeguard vulnerable wildlife and serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for violations.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of public awareness regarding wildlife conservation laws. Forest officials continue to monitor such activities closely to prevent further exploitation of protected species.
