Coimbatore forest officials arrested two individuals from Vadavalli for attempting to sell elephant tusks illegally, following a tip-off. A search operation led to the recovery and further arrests.
Coimbatore: In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, Coimbatore forest officials have apprehended four men for attempting to illegally sell elephant tusks. According to the officials, this arrest followed a secret tip that led them to the Vadavalli area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Coimbatore forest range. The accused were identified as Visagan (40), Karthikeyan (40), Britto (43), and Selvaraj (38).
The operation, led by a team from the Coimbatore Forest Department, initially targeted areas reported to be involved in the illicit trade. During the search operation conducted yesterday, the team uncovered elephant tusks at two different locations, which were ready to be sold. Subsequent investigations revealed that the tusks were stored at Visagan's residence in Sai Baba Colony, intending to sell them illegally.
Britto and Selvaraj, having direct connections to the possession and attempted sale of these tusks, were arrested following the recovery. The forest department also indicated that further investigations are underway to apprehend two more individuals involved, who are currently absconding.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in controlling wildlife trade crimes within the region. The Forest Department is intensifying its efforts to track down and arrest those involved in the illegal trade of wildlife products.
The operation, led by a team from the Coimbatore Forest Department, initially targeted areas reported to be involved in the illicit trade. During the search operation conducted yesterday, the team uncovered elephant tusks at two different locations, which were ready to be sold. Subsequent investigations revealed that the tusks were stored at Visagan's residence in Sai Baba Colony, intending to sell them illegally.
Britto and Selvaraj, having direct connections to the possession and attempted sale of these tusks, were arrested following the recovery. The forest department also indicated that further investigations are underway to apprehend two more individuals involved, who are currently absconding.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in controlling wildlife trade crimes within the region. The Forest Department is intensifying its efforts to track down and arrest those involved in the illegal trade of wildlife products.