CPM leader Vellanad Sasi gets bail in porcupine killing case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vellanad Panchayat President and CPM leader Vellanad Sasi has been granted bail after being arrested in a case of killing a porcupine that had entered a residential area. The Nedumangad Magistrate Court granted him bail. He had surrendered at the Paruthippally Forest Range Office a few days ago, after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the court.

The incident took place last month at the house of Rajitha, a native of Valiyara in Vellanad. Arun and his family, who were staying there on rent, spotted the porcupine and informed locals as well as the panchayat authorities. Ward member Shailaja had reportedly asked Panchayat President Sasi to inform the forest department. However, instead of doing so, Sasi reached the spot and killed the porcupine by hitting it on the head with an iron rod.

People present at the scene said that even though he was told that the forest department had been informed, he ignored it. By the time forest officials arrived, Sasi had already left the place.

Later, a team led by Paruthippally Forest Range Rapid Response Team officer Roshini conducted an inspection. Along with forest officials, a veterinary doctor was also present. The porcupine is a protected animal listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Attacking or killing such an animal can lead to imprisonment ranging from three to seven years and a fine of Rs 25,000. The post-mortem report stated that the porcupine died due to severe head injuries. Following this, a case was registered against Sasi under non-bailable sections.