Port Blair, June 30: An operation executed by Mayabunder Forest Division ended successfully when the entire link from hunter to the end consumer were identified and apprehended. Based on monitoring of suspicious activities over a week, teams were positioned at various feeders of Austin creek on 18.06.2016.
At about 1900 hours, one dinghy evaded the routine checking of forest officials and aped away, resulting in a chase ending at Kharanallah. Although the offenders absconded, the dinghy was seized due to prima facie evidence for presence of venison.
The bulk of the meat was noted missing but for the bits that remained from hurried escaping by the hunters. One person was positively identified and is to be arrested shortly. More information is being gathered from the fisheries department on the ownership of the said dingy.
In continuation, it was reported that venison was being sold locally in Mayabunder on 19.06.2016. Teams were immediately sent to identify and apprehended the offenders. In this connection, three persons were arrested on the spot with 4 Kgs of venison and one vehicle involved in the commission of said offence was seized.
They have been remained in judicial custody. The meat was designated for consumption of the crew of a passenger ship according to the accused; however, it is yet to be verified.
The bar cum restaurant which was involved in the sale of venison has been sealed as per court orders and the manager has been arrested. More arrests are scheduled to be made shortly on verification of new evidence that has come to light.
Based on the modus operandi and the timing of arrival of the ship, the chain of hunting to disposal seems to be premeditated and even possibly a regular practice. Concerned authorities in the shipping services are being informed to take necessary steps to check the staff on board such vessels so as to exercise utmost caution as well as to deal strictly with such offenders.
The entire team at Mayabunder Forest Division is credited to tracing every link in this poaching chain. More updates shall follow in the course of the week.
