Six elephant poachers arrested

Bangalore, Jan 16 (UNI) Six elephant poachers, including one from neighbouring Tamil Nadu, have been nabbed near Doddanne in Karnataka.

In a joint operation carried out by the Deputy Conservators of Forests, Kollegal division and Cauvery WL division in Kanakapura, Belluli Madaiah, Suntari Madaiah and Karna from Ramegowdanahalli, Kumara of Billigundlu in Tamil Nadu, Shivanna and Butta of Bidarahalli were nabbed. However, another accused Kencha was absconding, an official release here said today.

The arrested were remanded to judicial custody on January 14, the release added.

It may be recalled here that three tuskers were poached around Ponnachi in December last and one tusker near Doddanne in March 2005.

Efforts were being made to strengthen the protection force to avoid future poaching in these areas, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Bangalore, said.

UNI