Nagarahole: Two mahouts accused of poaching with hunters; rifle seized by forest officials

A serious wildlife crime has come to light where two mahouts from Nagarahole’s Dodda Harave (Kaveri) elephant camp were allegedly involved in poaching activities along with local hunters. Forest officials have seized a rifle believed to be used in the crime.

The primary accused are J.D. Manju and H.N. Manju, both mahouts from the Kaveri elephant camp. The firearm reportedly belongs to the son of Shivanna, a resident of Neralkuppe in Periyapatna taluk, who is currently absconding.

On March 18, officials received credible information about an unlicensed firearm stored at the camp accommodation. Upon investigation, a licensed rifle and wildlife hunting gear was recovered. The two mahouts confessed to having hunted wild animals using the rifle with the help of Manju from Neralkuppe and another unidentified individual.

H.N. Manju, who had taken three days of leave, was unreachable and later summoned with a notice. During questioning, he admitted to having gone hunting once with the accused group. The investigation is being led by ACF Lakshmikant of the Hunsur Wildlife Subdivision. RFO Subramanya of the Hunsur Wildlife Range filed a case on April 1 and submitted a report to senior officials for action against the accused.

DCF P.A. Seema told Udayavani that action will be taken against the two mahouts, and efforts are on to trace the remaining accused. The incident is being treated seriously as the mahouts who are supposed to protect wildlife were involved in the heinous crime. A detailed investigation is underway to determine the number of times such hunting occurred.