Karnataka forest squad busts gang of poachers, 6 held

In a major operation, Mangaluru Forest Trafficking Squad has busted a blackbuck selling network in Karnataka's Koppal district. After getting the tip-off, the squad also arrested at least six people for illegally possessing one live female blackbuck, 20 skins and 2 heads of blackbucks.

Koppal (Karnataka): Mangaluru Forest Trafficking Squad officials have arrested six people for illegally possessing one live female blackbuck, skins and heads of blackbucks in Koppala district on Monday.

The squad has seized 20 skins and 2 heads of blackbucks, one live female blackbuck and 3 bikes at Hunasihal village of Koppal district.

After getting the tip-off, officers arrested six people in connection with the case.

The accused have been handed over to Koppal range forest officer for further action and the value of seized vehicles has been estimated to Rs 1.50 lakh.

Those arrested are Thugappa (37), Sharanappa Amarappa Chauhan (30), Mallayya Hiremath (30), Shivayya Hiremath (34), Sangappa Kattimani (34), and Hanumanth Kattimani (35), a police official said.

The accused were scouting for customers for the pelts for which they intended to ask Rs 50,000 per pelt.

(With inputs from ANI)