Date:12/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/12/stories/2006031217400300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Monitor lizards, jackal, mongoose seized

P. Oppili

Two narikoravas arrested at Meenambakkam

LIVE SEIZURE: The seized monitor lizards and a young jackal at the Wildlife Headquarters Office in Velacherry. — Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

CHENNAI: Wildlife authorities in the city seized three monitor lizards, a jackal and a mongoose from two `narikoravas' they arrested at Meenambakkam on Friday.

The authorities identified the arrested as Raj (45) and Rajkumar (19) of Avadi and said the animals, kept in the cramped space inside a small cage and packed in gunny bags, were meant for sale. The raid followed a tip-off.

Preliminary investigation showed the accused had trapped the animals from forest areas in Kanchipuram district such as Chembarambakkam, Red Hills and Avadi.

They were also smuggling in animals from Andhra Pradesh for sale in the city.

They would procure a monitor lizard for Rs. 150 and sell it for Rs. 700 or more in the city.

Wildlife enthusiasts said `narikoravas' were systematically shooting birds near Maduravoyal, Red Hills, Chembarambakkam and Pallikaranai. The animals were being delivered to buyers based on orders.

Cases under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 were registered against the duo. They have been remanded to custody.