Ramanathapuram, Sep 1: Tamil Nadu forest officials have arrested a three-member gang for illegal poaching of peacocks and Peahens at a forest near Uthirakosamangai in this Southern district, today. Acting on a tip-off that the national birds were hunted for their meat and feathers, an official team of State forest team conducted a raid in the forest and arrested the trio Christopher (35), Charles (43) and Ergovin (34). However, three other members of the gang managed to give a slip to the officials. The officials seized carcasses of four Peacocks and six live Peacocks and Peahens.
Their feathers were found removed. The gang confessed to poaching the birds with an intention to sell their meat to various hotels and regular customers at a rate of Rs 700 per kilogram meat. The officials seized spotlights, nets, three motorcycles and knives from the gang. The rescued six birds were sent to the Government Veterinary Hospital at Keezhakkarai for treatment. A case has been registered against all six and a search is on for three hunters, who were absconding. The national birds are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and poachers could be sentenced up to seven years imprisonment with a fine of Rs 50,000.
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