In a major wildlife protection breakthrough, forest officials in Tamil Nadu’s Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) have arrested five individuals, including two forest department staff, in connection with the illegal possession and attempted sale of elephant tusks. The bust took place on June 22, 2025, in Thaimudi Estate, a region adjacent to the eco-sensitive Valparai belt.
A Sinister Trade in the Shadows of the Jungle
The accused were intercepted while attempting to sell two elephant tusks, each over five feet long. The arrested include:
- Manikandan (47) – A known poacher with previous wildlife crime records.
- Raja (39) and Devabala (45) – Local residents allegedly involved in arranging transport and clients for the ivory.
- Premdass (29) and Raman (35) – Temporary workers employed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, both posted in sensitive zones of the ATR.
According to investigation reports, the gang had obtained the tusks from an elephant carcass found deep in the reserve a few months prior. The plan was to sell them to black-market buyers using insider intelligence provided by the two department staffers.
Operation and Arrest
Following a confidential tip-off, a team from the forest department set up a surveillance trap near the estate. Upon confirming the suspects' movements and the presence of tusks in their vehicle, the team closed in. The operation was led by senior ATR officials, and all five suspects were taken into custody on the spot. The forest officials also seized:
- Two tusks, estimated to weigh over 30 kg collectively
- A hatchback car used to transport the ivory
- Mobile phones with communication records suggesting a broader smuggling network
Poaching Captured on Video
A video widely believed to be linked to this incident shows a group of men—matching the profiles of the suspects—surrounding an elephant carcass in a forest. In the footage, tools are visible and the tusks appear to have been freshly removed. No one is in uniform, and the behavior suggests urgency and secrecy. This clip has gone viral, reigniting conversations about the need for stronger surveillance and ethics enforcement within forest ranks.
Forest Department’s Response
Authorities expressed deep concern over the involvement of departmental staff. A senior ATR officer noted, “We are committed to eradicating not just poaching but also corruption within. Internal inquiries have begun, and stern action will follow.”
The department is expected to review all temporary and contract-based postings in high-risk wildlife zones. Surveillance through camera traps and digital patrol logs is also being increased.
The Bigger Picture
This case highlights a disturbing trend—organized poaching supported by internal informants. With India being home to more than 27,000 Asian elephants, the stakes are high. Ivory smuggling remains a lucrative but illegal trade, often linked to international wildlife trafficking networks.
Community Vigilance Is Key
The arrest was made possible through local intelligence, proving the importance of community support in protecting wildlife. Residents near reserves are being encouraged to report suspicious movements and poaching-related rumors anonymously.
Takeaway
This incident is a stark reminder that wildlife conservation is not just about patrolling jungles—it's about rooting out collusion and protecting the protectors. With awareness, policy, and public participation, the fight against poaching can prevail.
