Beltangady: A 38-year-old man was arrested by Forest Department officials in Beltangady taluk on allegations of hunting a wild boar and storing its meat after processing it at Mucharali in Neriya village, according to officials.
The arrested man has been identified as Suresh M.K., 38, son of Kukkappa Gowda and a resident of Muchalli House in Neriya village. The Forest Department conducted an operation in the area on September 20 after receiving information about the alleged hunting of a wild boar.
Officials reportedly found evidence of the animal having been hunted and seized a gun, knife and other equipment allegedly used in the hunting activity. A case was subsequently registered by the Forest Department.
Forest officials conduct operation in Neriya
The operation was carried out in Mucharali, Neriya village, in Beltangady taluk on September 20.
According to the Forest Department, officials found that a wild boar had been hunted and that its meat had allegedly been processed and stored. During the operation, a gun, knife and other equipment suspected to have been used for hunting were seized.
The department then initiated legal proceedings against the person identified in connection with the alleged activity.
The case comes amid continued efforts by forest officials in Dakshina Kannada to prevent illegal hunting and protect wildlife in forest and rural areas.
Man identified as Suresh M.K.
Forest officials identified the arrested man as Suresh M.K., 38, a resident of Muchalli House in Neriya village.
The Forest Department’s investigation was conducted under the guidance of Beltangady Range Forest Officer Mahesh M. Devadiga.
Neriya Forest Section Deputy Range Forest Officer Ravichandra reportedly led the investigation and registered the case following the operation.
Officials seized the alleged hunting equipment as part of the investigation. The department has not disclosed further details about the weapon’s ownership or the circumstances in which the alleged hunting took place.
Hunting equipment seized
The Forest Department said a gun, knife and other equipment allegedly used in the hunting of the wild boar were recovered during the operation.
The seizure forms part of the evidence being considered in the case. Further investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged hunting, including how the animal was hunted and whether others were involved.
The Forest Department has not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
Accused produced before court
Following his arrest, the accused was reportedly produced before a judge, as part of the legal process.
The Forest Department has registered a case and is continuing its investigation. The allegations against Suresh M.K. have not been established by a court.
The seizure of equipment and the arrest form part of the ongoing investigation, and further legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the case.
Wildlife protection remains a concern
Wild boars are among the wildlife species found across the forest and agricultural landscapes of Karnataka. Illegal hunting can pose challenges to wildlife protection, particularly in areas where forest habitats are located close to villages and agricultural land.
Forest officials regularly conduct patrols and enforcement operations to prevent hunting and other activities that may threaten wildlife.
The Beltangady operation is another instance of the department acting on information regarding suspected wildlife hunting. Officials seized the alleged hunting equipment and proceeded with the arrest after conducting the investigation.
Investigation to establish further details
The Forest Department’s investigation is expected to establish the full circumstances of the alleged incident.
Officials will also examine the seized equipment and other evidence gathered during the operation. Details regarding the source of the information, the exact location where the wild boar was allegedly hunted and whether the accused acted alone may emerge as the investigation progresses.
For now, the Forest Department has confirmed the arrest and registration of the case, while the accused has been produced before the court.
The case highlights the role of forest enforcement teams in monitoring suspected wildlife offences in the Beltangady region and taking legal action when violations are detected.