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A shocking wildlife crime was stopped in Kerala’s Kannur district after forest officials arrested a seven-member gang trying to sell tiger body parts. The accused were caught in the Kathirur area of Thalassery Taluk during a planned operation based on secret intelligence.
The gang was allegedly attempting to sell tiger skin, teeth, and claws, which are strictly banned under Indian wildlife laws. Officials say the arrest is a big win in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
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Secret tip leads to forest operation
The arrests were made after forest officials received confidential information about illegal wildlife trading in the area. Acting quickly, a joint team from the Kottiyoor Forest Range and the Kannur Forest Vigilance Unit planned a search operation.
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The team reached Kathirur quietly and kept watch on the suspects before moving in. Officials said the operation was carried out carefully to ensure the accused could not escape.
Three arrested in first phase
During the first phase of the operation, three men were arrested on the spot. They were identified as Ashwin N from Eruvatti, and Sandesh P M and Balan C from Cheruvanchery.
From their possession, forest officials seized tiger skin, teeth, and claws. A scooter used to transport these illegal items was also taken into custody.
Officials confirmed that the recovered items belonged to a tiger, making the crime extremely serious under wildlife protection laws.
More arrests after interrogation
After questioning the first three accused, officials received more information that helped them trace other members of the gang. Based on these details, four more men were arrested.
They were identified as Sharath K K from Kallikandi, Rajeesh Kadachi from Mangad, Vithul V K from Cheruvanchery, Rakhil T P from Malal.
An Innova car used to move the tiger body parts was also seized during this phase of investigation.
Team behind the successful operation
The operation was led by Kottiyoor Range Officer Nithin Raj T and supported by officers from multiple forest units. Kannur Vigilance Range Officer V Jayaprakash played key role in the mission.
Other team members included 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.
Senior officers, including Kannur Vigilance Divisional Forest Officer Shajna and Aralam Wildlife Warden V Ratheeshan, were also part of the operation.
Accused produced before court
All seven arrested men were produced before the Thalassery Judicial First Class Magistrate (JFCM) Court. Further legal action will be taken based on court orders and ongoing investigation.
Forest officials said such crimes pose a serious threat to wildlife and warned that strict action will continue against anyone involved in illegal animal trade.
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