Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (SP)

Sullia, May 31: The policemen of Sullia station succeeded in arresting a resident of Devachalla within Subrahmanya police station limits, and recovering from him two elephant tusks weighing 19 kg worth about Rs 66 lacs which he had hidden in his house. The incident occurred on Wednesday May 29.

Krishnaprasad Jalsoor was arrested in this connection. When the police raided his home, five other accused, who were also at the spot, succeeded in fleeing. A jeep, two motor bikes, and a Maruti Omni vehicle found parked at the spot were seized by the policemen.

Sullia police circle inspector, Sudarshan, got information on Wednesday about two tusks having been hidden in a house in Kerpu, Devachalla. He then contacted some people dealing in tusks and ivory products on cell phone, posing himself as a dealer in elephant tusks interested in buying them. After they provided him their address, he disguised himself as a common man, went to Subrahmanya with some local youth in a private vehicle, and reached Kerpu in Devachalla. A person, who was waiting at the spot, led Sudarshan for about a km, where five more people met him. After the police circle inspector started discussing price of the tusks, the youth grew suspicious, and started running away. Sudarshan then pointed his pistol and threatened to shoot. While fivepersons succeeded in running away, Krishnaprasad could be arrested. Two tusks, weighing 13 kg and 6 kg respectively, were found packed in a gunny bag inside the house.

Subrahmanya station house officer, M N Rao, and other personnel, were waiting outside the forest stretch. The police continue to search for the other accused. Puttur deputy superintendent of police, H D Mendonca, is guiding the investigation.

Dakshina Kannada district superintendent of police, Dr Boralingaiah, visited the spot, and praised the police action.