Sunil Lohan
In a joint operation the Central Crime Branch and Chikkabanavara Police inspector and his team arrested three persons for allegedly attempting to sell prohibited deer antlers near a college in Chikkabanavara,police station limits.
The accused were identified as Murali (29),Manjunath (39),and Kariyappa (53).
Senior officer told reporters that on May 9,officers of the Organized Crime Wing (East)of the CCB received credible information that unidentified persons were trying to sell antlers of a wild animal near a college in Chikkabanavara.
After verifying the information,officials registered a case at Chikkabanavara Police Station under the Wildlife Protection Act,1972 (2022 Amendment).
Subsequently,a joint team led by Police Inspector Suresh P.of the CCB,along with personnel from Chikkabanavara Police Station,conducted a raid at the spot.
During the operation,the three accused were apprehended and one deer antler was seized.
It is said that during interrogation,the accused confessed that they intended to sell the antler for huge profits.The seized antler is estimated to be worth around Rs.10 lakh.
The accused were produced before a court on May 10. One of the accused was remanded to seven days of police custody,while the remaining two were sent to judicial custody.
Police said a prime suspect in the case is still absconding and further investigation is underway.
