Poacher held for killing elephant, tusks recovered

Erode (TN): A man wanted for more than five months for allegedly shooting to death a tusker earlier this year has been arrested and two tusks recovered from him, officials said.

Perumal of Kovilur area, who was arrested yesterday, was wanted in connection with the death of a tusker on Feb 4 this year in Chinna Uthukuli forest area in Anthiyur forest in the district, Forest Department officials said.

Two tusks, each 905 cm long and weighing more than ten kilograms in total, were also recovered based on his confession, they said.

The tusker had been shot dead and its tusks removed. Three persons were arrested in connection with the incident on Feb 21 after special teams were formed to nab the culprits. The gun used for shooting the elephant and an axe used for removing the tusks were also recovered.

However, officials had deposed in court that Perumal was absconding and the tusks were with him.

Perumal, who was arrested during a search operation in Anthiyur area, was produced before the Judicial Magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody for 15 days.