Kerala Panchayat President Untraceable After Alleged Killing of Protected Porcupine
In a concerning development from Thiruvananthapuram, Vellanad panchayat president Sasi continues to evade authorities three days after being booked under the Wildlife Protection Act for allegedly killing a Schedule I protected porcupine at Valiyara on Saturday.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
Forest officials have confirmed that a formal case has been registered against Sasi for killing the protected animal before the rapid response team (RRT) could reach the location on Saturday morning. The porcupine had strayed into a residential property at Valiyara around 7:30 AM, prompting residents to alert both ward representatives and the forest department.
According to official sources, before the RRT could arrive to safely handle the situation, Sasi allegedly used an iron pipe found on the premises to beat the animal to death. The killing of a protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act represents a serious offence that can attract up to three years of imprisonment upon conviction.
Search Efforts and Suspect's Disappearance
Sources within the forest department reveal that Sasi switched off his mobile phone shortly after the incident and is believed to have left the district entirely. Initial intelligence suggests he may have traveled toward Kottayam, though this remains unconfirmed.
Official teams have conducted searches at both his residence and the Vellanad panchayat office, but have been unable to locate him. The panchayat president has also been conspicuously absent from all official engagements since the incident occurred.
"We are continuing the search and he will have to appear before the department or court in connection with the case," stated a forest department official who requested anonymity. Forest authorities have sought police assistance in tracing the suspect and are attempting to track his location through mobile tower data analysis.
Criminal Background and Additional Cases
Further investigation reveals that Sasi figures in multiple criminal cases registered across various police stations within the district. These include:
- Cases involving assault on officials
- Incidents of obstruction of official duties
- An alleged assault on a woman hotel owner and her minor son
- Vandalism of a health center inauguration plaque
Additionally, a separate case has reportedly been registered against him under non-bailable provisions for allegedly insulting the panchayat secretary on the basis of caste. This pattern of alleged criminal behavior adds significant complexity to the current wildlife protection case.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The Wildlife Protection Act provides stringent protection for Schedule I species, making their killing or harming a grave offence with substantial legal consequences. Forest department officials emphasize that the investigation remains active and that they are pursuing all available leads to locate the suspect.
The case highlights the challenges authorities face when dealing with individuals who hold public office while allegedly engaging in criminal activities. The forest department's collaboration with police forces underscores the seriousness with which they are treating this violation of wildlife protection laws.
