Leopard killed, cooked, teeth and claws removed for sale; five arrested in Idukki

IDUKKI: The forest department has arrested five people in connection with the killing and eating of a leopard caught in a trap at Mankulam, Idukki. The six-year-old leopard was caught on Wednesday night under the leadership of Vinod, a native of Mankulam. On Thursday, about ten kilos of meat was taken from the animal's body and made into a curry. Leopard skin, teeth and claws were also removed for sale. The forest department has seized tiger remains and the curry. The action of the forest department was based on confidential information.