Ivory being smuggled in car intercepted in Kollegal taluk; 3 arrested, one escapes

CHAMARAJANAGAR: Three people who were smuggling two elephant tusks wrapped in bedsheets have been arrested by the mobile squad of the Forest Department at Sattegala Hand Post in Kollegal taluk on Tuesday.

The arrested are Preetam (31), Jagadish (21) and Puneeth (28). One of their accomplices, Hemanth (26), however, managed to escape.

The Forest Department apprehended the trio acting on a tip-off and seized 15.9 kg of ivory. The tusks, the car and three mobile phones have been seized. A case has been registered at Kollegal Rural police station.