Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 September 2024
In a significant blow to illegal wildlife trade, the Ograbraj Police apprehended two individuals and confiscated 19 kg of venison during a routine traffic check at Ograbraj Junction. The suspects were intercepted while transporting the illicit meat in their vehicle.
The accused, both private painters from Prothrapur, were identified as Gorav, a 37-year-old man and Sunil Joseph, a 40-year-old accomplice. They were intercepted in a vehicle bearing the registration number AN01-Q-9991. Upon inspection, authorities discovered a plastic bag containing red-coloured meat, which was later confirmed by the suspects to be venison.
According to police reports, the duo admitted to sourcing the meat from the Manpur area. Acting swiftly, the authorities took them to the Police Station along with the vehicle and the confiscated venison for further investigation. The total seized meat was weighed at 19 kg, with 1 kg set aside as a sample for further forensic analysis.
Forest officials were immediately informed to assist in the investigation, and steps were taken to enforce relevant wildlife protection laws. The suspects, the vehicle, and the seized meat were officially handed over to the Forest Department for further action.
The operation was led by Sub-Inspector Devanand Pathak, Station House Officer of Ograbraj Police Station, under the command of Mr. Brij Mohan Meena, DANIPS, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Bambooflat, and under the overall supervision of Ms. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
Authorities have urged the public to report any information related to illegal activities. Credible information can be shared with law enforcement through the following numbers: 236641, 224934, or the emergency hotline 112. The identities of informers will be kept strictly confidential.