Major Wildlife Crime Busted in Kerala: Seven Arrested for Tiger Parts Trafficking
In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, a seven-member gang was apprehended in Kerala's Kannur district for allegedly attempting to sell tiger skin, teeth, and claws. The arrests were executed during a meticulously planned joint operation conducted by the Kottiyoor Range Office and the Kannur Forest Vigilance Unit in the Kathirur area of Thalassery taluk.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Initial Arrests
Acting on precise and specific intelligence inputs, forest officials launched a targeted search operation in the region. This proactive measure resulted in the immediate apprehension of the first group of accused individuals. In the initial phase of the operation, officials arrested Ashwin N. from Eruvatti, along with Sandesh P M and Balan C from Cheruvanchery, at Kathirur.
From these individuals, authorities successfully seized critical evidence, including a complete tiger skin, multiple tiger teeth and claws, and the scooter that was being used to transport these illegal wildlife products. The seizure of the scooter highlighted the gang's operational methods for moving contraband.
Expanded Investigation Nets Remaining Accused
Following the initial arrests, forest officials conducted intensive questioning of the detained individuals. The information gathered during this interrogation phase proved invaluable, leading investigators to the remaining members of the trafficking network. Based on these leads, officials subsequently arrested Sharath K K of Kallikandi, Rajeesh Kadachi of Mangad, Vithul V K of Cheruvanchery, and Rakhil T P of Malal.
During this expanded phase of the operation, authorities also confiscated an Innova car that was being utilized by the gang to transport the tiger body parts. This vehicle seizure further disrupted the group's logistics and transportation capabilities.
Coordinated Effort by Multiple Forest Agencies
The successful operation was the result of coordinated efforts by a dedicated team of forest officials. The operation was led by Kottiyoor Range Officer Nithin Raj and Kannur Vigilance Range Officer V Jayaprakash. They were supported by Beat Forest Officers Ramya K K and Vipesh B C from the Tholambra section, along with Mukesh K P and Shinil C from the Kannur Forest Vigilance unit.
Additional oversight and participation came from Kannur Vigilance divisional forest officer Shajna and Aralam Wildlife Warden V Ratheeshan, ensuring comprehensive jurisdictional coverage and expertise.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
Following their arrest, all seven accused individuals were formally produced before the Thalassery Judicial First Class Magistrate (JFCM) Court. This step initiates the legal process against them for violations of wildlife protection laws, which carry severe penalties under Indian legislation designed to protect endangered species like tigers.
The operation underscores the ongoing vigilance of Kerala's forest department against wildlife trafficking networks that threaten India's biodiversity. Such coordinated actions between range offices and vigilance units demonstrate a robust response mechanism to intelligence-driven threats against protected species.
