Date:01/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/01/stories/2008120151870300.htm

Kerala - Kalpetta

Poaching of spotted deer: three held

A Correspondent

KALPETTA: Forest Department personnel arrested three men in connection with poaching a spotted deer, at Beenachi, near Sulthan Bathery, on Sunday morning.

They also seized 35 kilograms of processed flesh, a car that was used to transport the flesh and a country-made gun.

The arrested are Abdul Rahman, 36, of Chenniar Mannil at Thamarassery; Muhamed Kutty, 60, of Plavullathil at Beenachy and Abdul Majeed, 44, of Kalathingal at Thamarassery.

C.T. Jojo, Assistant Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, said that the accused had killed a spotted deer in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, about 17 kilometres from the Kerala-Karnataka border, on Saturday night.

After removing the skin and intestines of the animal, they had brought the flesh to the house of Muhammed Kutty at Beenachi in a car on Sunday morning.

Two other members of the gang had escaped, Mr. Jojo added.