Daijiworld Media Network - Chikkamagaluru (SP)

Chikkamagaluru, Mar 1: Forest officials from here raided the house of a close associate of Congress MLA from Sringeri, T D Rajegowda, and confiscated illegal valuables like star tortoises, rock tortoises, sandalwood, pistol and other contraband goods stored in his residence.

The forest officials from the city targetted the house of Shabarish, said to be close to the MLA. During the raid, they found star tortoises, rock tortoises, gun, pistol, bullets, sandalwood pieces, gillatin sticks, explosives etc. All these things were seized. These things were stored illegally in a house at Kanchinagar, Sringeri.

Shabarish was caught when smuggling elephant tusks two days back. After his arrest, his house was raided. Shabarish's father, Ramesh, also was arrested on this occasion. It is said that BJP workers have told the MLA, T D Rajegowda, in no uncertain terms that they will not tolerate interference with the investigations concerning these recoveries.