Kundapur: Forest department officials have arrested four persons in connection with the killing of a leopard in the Dottinabailu reserve forest area of Siddapur village under the Shankaranarayana forest range. Officials said the arrests were made following an investigation into the wildlife crime case registered after a leopard carcass was found abandoned near a roadside earlier this year.
The case has raised concerns over illegal hunting and wildlife-related offences in the region, with authorities continuing efforts to identify and apprehend others involved in the incident.
Four accused arrested in investigation
The arrested individuals have been identified as Manjunath Shetty of Salimakki in Yedamoge village, Nadeem Karani of Kandlooru in Kavradi village, and Nagaraj Bovi and Venkataramana Bovi, both residents of Hanebachalu in Yedamoge village.
According to officials, the arrests were made after investigators gathered information linked to the case and carried out follow-up operations.
Forest officials stated that Manjunath Shetty was taken into custody on Thursday and questioned as part of the investigation. Information reportedly obtained during the interrogation led officers to the remaining accused, resulting in their arrest.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional leads are being pursued.
Wildlife-related materials seized
During the operation, officials recovered several items believed to be connected to the offence.
The seized materials include four leopard claws, bone fragments, a firearm, five live bullets and two motorcycles allegedly used by the accused.
Forest officials are examining the recovered evidence as part of the ongoing investigation to establish the sequence of events and determine the involvement of the accused persons.
The seizure of leopard body parts has also prompted concern regarding possible illegal wildlife activity and violations under wildlife protection laws.
Leopard carcass found in February
Officials said a case was initially registered after a leopard was found dead and dumped near the Siddapur–Shivamogga district road on February 4.
The discovery of the carcass had triggered an investigation by forest authorities under the Shankaranarayana forest range.
Subsequent inquiries and evidence collection reportedly helped officials identify suspects and connect them to the incident.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact circumstances under which the leopard was allegedly killed, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
Search under way for absconding accused
Forest department officials stated that two additional accused linked to the case are currently absconding.
Search operations have been intensified to trace and apprehend them. Officials indicated that teams are continuing investigations at multiple locations.
The arrested individuals were later produced before the Kundapur Principal Civil Judge and JMFC court for further legal proceedings.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Kundapur Division Deputy Conservator of Forests Ruthren P, along with Shankaranarayana Range Forest Officer Sandesh Kumar and personnel from various forest divisions.
Staff from Kundapur range and Byndoor range also participated in the operation. Support was extended by Kandlooru Rural Police Station Inspector Niranjan Gowda and police personnel.
Officials stated that the investigation was conducted in the presence of Kundapur Division Additional Assistant Conservator of Forests and Technical Assistant to the Deputy Conservator of Forests P. Sridhar.
The incident once again highlights concerns regarding wildlife crimes and the importance of strict enforcement measures to protect protected animal species and preserve ecological balance.