The arrest of a prime suspect in multiple wildlife crime cases has led to a significant breakthrough for officials at the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The detention of Govinda, a 32-year-old from Hanur, provided crucial leads that enabled foresters to identify and apprehend three other individuals believed to be part of the same illegal wildlife activity network.
A Key Arrest Unravels a Network
Forest officers stated that Govinda's arrest on Wednesday was a pivotal moment in their investigation. The information he provided allowed investigators to track down and capture the three additional suspects, who are all linked to a series of wildlife offences. Officers are treating the case with utmost seriousness and are probing it from all possible angles to dismantle the organised syndicate involved.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) for MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, B Bhaskar, told TOI that Govinda was an accused in numerous cases. He was notably one of seven individuals implicated in the killing of a tiger in Hanur back in October. While not directly involved in the act of killing, Govinda is alleged to have abetted the tiger killers by helping them dismember the carcass, dispose of it, and conceal the crime. He had been absconding since the incident, while the six other accused were arrested earlier.
A History of Crime and Evasion
Govinda's run from the law included a dramatic escape in late October, where he fled from foresters with the assistance of two accomplices. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the district court and remains pending at the high court. He was finally arrested when he arrived for a court hearing related to a separate criminal case.
According to forest officials, Govinda's criminal record extends beyond wildlife crimes. He faces several other serious charges, including attempted murder and dacoity, in Chamarajanagar and Bengaluru. His notoriety is such that the police have listed him on the rowdy list in these jurisdictions.
Deepening Probe into Poaching Activities
The forest department is now digging deeper into the operations revealed by Govinda. He is accused in three pending cases of poaching in the Hanur range and two more in the Hoogyam range of Chamarajanagar district. The charges include killing wildlife, such as deer, for their meat. While Govinda has claimed the meat was solely for local consumption, officers are not taking this at face value. They are intensifying their efforts to uncover any larger, organised syndicate that may be behind these illegal activities, using the fresh leads to map out the entire network of wildlife crime in the region.
