Kerala Forest Department Files Case Against CPM Leader for Killing Porcupine
The Kerala Forest Department has registered a formal case against Vellanad panchayat president and CPM leader Vellanad Sasi after he allegedly killed a porcupine that had strayed into a residential property. The incident, which took place in the Valiyara area of Vellanad on Saturday morning, has sparked outrage and legal action under the stringent Wildlife Protection Act.
Details of the Incident
The porcupine was first noticed around 7:30 AM at a house owned by Rajitha, where Arun and his family are residing as tenants. Upon discovering the animal, the family promptly alerted local residents and informed ward member Shailaja. Shailaja then communicated the situation to the panchayat president, Vellanad Sasi, so that the forest department could be officially notified for a safe rescue operation.
According to eyewitness accounts from residents, Sasi arrived at the scene before the rapid response team (RRT) from the forest department could reach the location. Despite being informed that forest officials had been alerted and were en route, Sasi allegedly took matters into his own hands. He reportedly used an iron pipe found on the premises to beat the porcupine to death. By the time the forest department team arrived, the animal had already succumbed to its injuries, and Sasi had left the scene shortly after the incident.
Forest Department Investigation and Legal Action
A thorough inspection was later conducted by a team from the Paruthipally forest range, led by RRT officer Roshini. The team included deputy range officer P Anilkumar, section forest officer Arun A, beat forest officers Roshni G S and Amal Krishna S S, and watcher Ranjith. They examined the site and subsequently shifted the carcass to the forest department for a postmortem examination.
Forest officials have confirmed that a case has been registered against Vellanad Sasi under multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, specifically Sections 2(2), 2(16), 9, 39, 50, and 51. They emphasized that killing a protected species like the porcupine is a serious offense, punishable by law with potential imprisonment of up to three years.
Official Statements and Search Efforts
A forest department official stated, "We had been informed about the presence of the animal and were on the way to safely handle the situation. However, before we could intervene, the animal was killed." This highlights the department's readiness to manage such wildlife encounters without harm.
Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the accused. Sources indicate that Sasi has switched off his mobile phone and is believed to have traveled towards Nedumangad. Forest personnel have initiated search operations in the area, and he is not currently thought to be in the Vellanad region. The department is actively working to take him into custody as the investigation progresses.
