Ivory theft: Suspect and elephant tusks still at Pangode camp? Investigation intensifies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Investigation into the theft of two elephant tusks worth two crore rupees during a DJ party has reached the camp. The DJ party was at the Officers' Mess of the Madras Regiment at the high-security Pangode military base. Police have concluded that the theft was committed by those inside the camp. It is not possible to enter or take the elephant tusks out without the help of those from the camp.

It is not easy to take out 100 kg of elephant tusks from the area where the army has security checks for entry and exit. The investigation is focused on the officer in the camp. The police suspect that two or more people may be involved. The police are also investigating whether ivory was smuggled out with the items taken out by the event management staff who had come to the DJ party.

Soldiers, contract security personnel, office and mess staff were questioned. Yesterday, the police and the army jointly searched the entire premises of the Officers' Mess and 2-Madras Regiment on suspicion of hiding elephant tusks inside the camp. Three people suspected of involvement in the robbery were questioned several times. It is believed that the elephant tusks, which were kept on a special stand in the reception room of the mess hall, were smuggled out during the DJ party in a well planned robbery. Fingerprints are being checked.

The investigation has been taken up by a special team led by Deputy Commissioner Taposh Basumatary. The lack of CCTV in the officers' mess is putting the police in a difficult situation.

''No one has been taken into custody so far. Many crucial information has been obtained during the investigation.

-K Karthik,

City Police Commissioner