by Two individuals were apprehended and a homemade rifle along with six bullets were confiscated from them during a routine vehicle inspection at Nadugani check post in the Nilgiris on a late Sunday morning.
The arrested men, identified as P. Mani (52) and M. Sasikumar (39) from Devala Hatty in Pandiyar, were found to have purchased the weapon and ammunition from individuals in Kerala with the intention of poaching wild animals.
Authorities seized the rifle and bullets, discovering that the men had paid ₹ 1.2 lakh for the firearm in Kerala. Mani and Sasikumar were charged under the Arms Act and The Explosive Substances Act and placed in judicial custody. Efforts are underway to locate the individuals in Kerala who sold the weapon and bullets to the suspects.
Law enforcement and Forest Department officials are currently investigating whether the suspects have any connections to recent poaching incidents in Gudalur and Pandalur.
**Background Information on Nilgiris**
The Nilgiris district, located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and lush greenery. The region is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, making it a hotspot for poaching activities.
**Efforts to Combat Poaching**
Authorities in the Nilgiris have been actively working to combat poaching and protect the region’s wildlife. Regular patrols and vehicle checks are conducted to prevent illegal activities, such as the one that led to the recent arrests of Mani and Sasikumar.
**Ongoing Investigation**
The investigation into the arrested individuals and their potential involvement in poaching incidents is ongoing, with officials working diligently to gather more information and ensure the protection of the region’s wildlife.
