Mysuru: The Forest Mobile Squad has arrested two men for their alleged involvement in the sale of elephant tusks during an operation on Mosambayanahalli Road in Sri Rama Layout, near Chikkahalli village in Mysuru district. Another suspect reportedly escaped during the operation.
The arrested men have been identified as Ravichandra, a resident of Ballenahalli in Hunsur taluk, and Rajendra, a resident of Kyathamaranahalli in Mysuru. Both have been remanded to judicial custody.
Forest officials seized elephant tusks and other items allegedly linked to the suspected wildlife trade. The seizure included a motorcycle reportedly used to transport the tusks, bags and two mobile phones.
The operation forms part of efforts by forest authorities to curb the illegal trade in wildlife products. Elephant tusks are commonly associated with the ivory trade, which poses a serious threat to elephant populations and wildlife conservation.
Forest Mobile Squad conducts operation
The operation was carried out by the Forest Mobile Squad under the guidance of Dr Malathi Priya, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Chamarajanagar, and G Y Raju, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mysuru Forest Mobile Squad.
The forest personnel involved in the operation included A C F Rudresh G of the Elephant Task Force and Range Forest Officer Surendra K.
Deputy Range Forest Officers Kannika T C, Sumalatha A M and Hemant Kumar H B also participated, along with Suresh K and forest guards Tirupati Pujara, Siddarajashetty and Imam Sab Sagari.
The team conducted the operation in the Mosambayanahalli Road area, where the alleged sale of elephant tusks had come to the attention of the authorities.
Seized items to aid investigation
Apart from the elephant tusks, officials seized a motorcycle, bags and two mobile phones from the accused. These items could help investigators examine how the tusks were allegedly transported and whether the suspects were connected to a wider network involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
One suspect remains at large, according to the information available. Further details about the individual and the circumstances of the escape have not been disclosed.
The arrested men have been remanded to judicial custody as the case proceeds. Further investigation is expected to establish the source of the tusks, the intended buyers and whether others were involved in the alleged transaction.
The authorities have not disclosed the number, weight or estimated value of the seized tusks.
Wildlife trade remains a conservation concern
The illegal trade in elephant ivory is a major wildlife conservation concern. Elephants are protected under Indian wildlife laws, and unauthorised hunting, possession or trade involving their body parts can attract serious legal consequences.
Forest and wildlife enforcement teams play an important role in detecting suspected trafficking, seizing prohibited wildlife products and identifying those involved in their movement and sale.
The Mysuru operation highlights the continued vigilance of forest officials against suspected wildlife offences. The investigation will be crucial in determining the origin of the seized tusks and establishing the full extent of the alleged activity.