Forest department officials in Tamil Nadu's Trichy district have launched a major manhunt for a gang of at least four individuals involved in the illegal hunting of protected spotted deer. The incident came to light in the early hours of Sunday near Siruganur, sending shockwaves through the local conservation community.
Midnight Chase and Abandoned Evidence
The sequence of events began around 4 am on Sunday when alert police personnel from Siruganur, during a routine patrol, spotted a suspicious white car. As the officers attempted to follow the vehicle, the occupants panicked. They abandoned the car midway at Perakambi and vanished into the nearby forest under the cloak of darkness.
A subsequent inspection of the abandoned vehicle yielded grim evidence. Police discovered three carcasses of spotted deer in the boot of the car. Forest office sources confirmed that all the deceased animals were female, aged between three and four years. Alongside the carcasses, authorities recovered ammunition, an air gun, and two country-made firearms typically used for hunting.
Fake Plates and an Intensifying Search
Further investigation by the police revealed a layer of criminal planning. The car's registration number was fake and actually belonged to a two-wheeler, indicating the perpetrators' intent to avoid identification. Lalgudi DSP Raj Mohan personally inspected the vehicle, which was later secured at the Siruganur police station.
Given that the core crime involved wildlife, the case was formally handed over to the forest department. District forest officials have registered a case and formed two special teams to track down the fugitive gang. A senior forest range officer expressed confidence, stating, "We have obtained some leads that should help nab the suspects at the earliest." The officer, however, downplayed the possibility of organised poaching rings in the area, suggesting the accused might have shot deer on the forest outskirts where sightings are frequent.
Broader Concerns for Deer Population
This poaching incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by spotted deer in the region. Local animal activist M Daniel pointed out a parallel danger: road accidents. "Many deer from the outer side die after being hit by vehicles. Their population is growing, and at least ten have been killed in road accidents this year. The forest department should take steps to protect these animals," Daniel said. Deer often stray onto the busy Trichy-Ariyalur-Chidambaram highway, leading to fatal collisions with speeding traffic.
Forest authorities emphasised their ongoing vigilance, noting routine night patrols inside reserve forests to deter habitual hunting. As the search for the gang continues, this case underscores the persistent challenges in protecting India's vulnerable wildlife from both deliberate and accidental harm.
