In a major wildlife crime bust, five individuals from Karnataka were arrested in Kotagiri, Nilgiris, on Sunday for attempting to poach hare in a protected forest area. The group, which included a woman, was intercepted during a routine patrol by Forest Department personnel in the Adathodai forest range.
The suspects — Surya Kumar (27), Rohan Akshaya (28), Ahshay (28), Vignesh Nayar (29), and Anushka (23) — were found standing near a jeep and gave suspicious and evasive responses when questioned. A search of their vehicle led to the recovery of two pistols, ammunition, two air guns, and a torch light, confirming their intent to hunt.
All five, residents of Bengaluru, claimed they had traveled to a private estate owned by Surya Kumar in Vandicholai near Coonoor, and had set out from there for hare poaching.
Following their arrest, officials raided the estate bungalow, where they recovered four pairs of deer antlers, further raising suspicion of previous poaching activities.
Each of the accused has been fined ₹2 lakh, and cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Forest officials are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the group’s illegal activities and any possible links to wildlife trafficking.