PALODE: Three persons were caught by the Forest Intelligence Squad and the Chullimanoor Forest Flying Special Squad while trying to smuggle star tortoises. Three people, including a KSEB lineman and a temporary driver, were arrested. Sajith (38), a resident of Thrissur Chavakkad, a temporary driver of Thycaud KSEB section; Arun Kumar (33), a friend of Sajith and a resident of Malayinkeezh; and Santhosh (40), a lineman of KSEB Thycaud section, a resident of Malayinkeezh, were arrested.

Two star tortoises along with the Volkswagen car with the number KL 01 CC 9369 used for smuggling were seized. The star tortoises were brought to Kerala by Sajith's friend in a KSRTC bus from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. A dream price of 10 to 25 lakh rupees are fetched for star tortoises. They are being sold under the belief that growing it at home will bring good wealth.

Following a tip-off received by the Forest Intelligence Department, the gang was nabbed from Chanthavila Amballoor at around 3 pm last day. The accused were then taken to the Palode range office. Star tortoises, which are under the threat of extinction, are currently listed in Schedule I of the Protected List. The arrested accused will be produced in court today. Palode Range Officer Ramya said that further investigation will be done due to the suspicion that there will be more accused.