Ivory theft at Pangode army camp: High-ranking army officer and wife under lens? Investigation reaches nowhere

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police investigation into the theft of elephant tusks worth Rs 2 crore from the Pangode military base reached nowhere. The tusks were stolen during a DJ party at the Officers' Mess of the Madras Regiment on February 11. More than 50 people, including soldiers, security personnel, and those who provided light, sound, and catering facilities for the DJ party, were questioned. Everyone's fingerprints and phone calls were checked. The police reiterate that they did not find any trace.

It is not easy to carry out 100 kg of elephant tusks in an area where the army has security checks for boarding and alighting. It was during the investigation that the police got some information leading to suspicions about the role of a high-ranking army officer and his wife. The investigation team had obtained CCTV footage of the duo coming out of the forest area behind the Madras Regiment on the 11th, when the robbery took place. It is alleged that the investigation was botched when suspicion shifted to the high-ranking officer from North India.

The Army's internal investigation is progressing in the case that brought shame to the whole force. The investigation is being conducted by excluding the officers of the 2nd Madras Regiment, where the robbery took place, and including officers of another regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, and senior officers at the military base.

The police say that the tusks were not taken out of the camp. The police and the army searched the area around the army camp, but to no avail. The police also had limitations to search the entire camp compound, which is surrounded by swamps and streams. The police registered a case under sections that carry a 7-year prison sentence for theft and trespassing. A special team led by Deputy Commissioner Taposh Basumatary is investigating the case.