Forest officials on Monday arrested six persons who camped within the Agasthyarkoodam forest area which is located in the Peppara wildlife sanctuary.
The accused persons were identified as Murali, 41, of Attingal; Uthaman, 37, of Avanavancherry; S. Shibu, 34, and his brother S. Shiju, 27, of Nagaroor; Rahul, 23, of Kilimanoor, and Sajith, 23, of Mungode. Peppara forest ranger officer and assistant wildlife warden J. Suresh said the group was apprehended late on Sunday from Elathode, nearly 15 km into the Peppara wildlife sanctuary. They were found to have trekked along Kottur, Pankavu, Anchunazhy, Podiyam, and Kunnathery to reach their destination. Their presence was detected by a tribal community in the region, who alerted the forest officials. After being booked under charges of criminal trespass, the accused persons were produced at the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court (Forest Offences) at Nedumangad and were remanded in judicial custody. While Murali’s son was also part of the group, the child was handed over to his family members to be taken home.
Murali, believed to be the leader of the gang, has conducted similar treks to the restricted Agasthyarkoodam hills in the past in violation of rules, the official said. As part of efforts to conserve the ecologically sensitive area, which is part of the Western Ghats, the Forest department generally facilitates visits during the period from the Makaravilakku day until the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.
Mr. Suresh added that it was only a few days ago that four trekkers from Puducherry were arrested from the area. Vigil has been stepped up on the basis of intelligence reports that there could be similar attempts made during the occasion of Chitra Pournami.
They had
camped in the Agasthyarkoodam forest area in violation of rules
