Elephant Tusks Valued at ₹2 Crore Stolen from Pangode Army Camp; Joint Police-Army Investigation Launched
The Kerala Police have initiated a probe into the disappearance of two elephant tusks from an Indian Army camp located at Pangode in Thiruvananthapuram. This camp, noted for its high security, falls under the Southern Command. The tusks, which were displayed inside the officers’ mess, went missing between February 11 and 12.
Following a complaint from the Army authorities, the Poojappura Police have filed an FIR citing relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) concerning house trespass and theft in a sensitive zone. Initial reports indicate that the theft might have occurred after a programme held at the camp, during which external personnel were permitted entry for lighting and sound arrangements.
Police officials have confirmed that both external contractors and internal staff are under scrutiny as part of the investigation. CCTV footage from the military premises is being reviewed, and numerous individuals are being interrogated. As of now, no arrests have been made.
The tusks are estimated to be worth approximately ₹2 crore in the illegal wildlife trade market. Simultaneously, the Indian Army has launched its own internal investigation to determine any security breaches and to identify the perpetrators, emphasizing the gravity of the incident given the camp's secure nature.
Authorities have assured that all possible aspects are under thorough examination, with further actions planned based on the evidence collected through this joint civil and military investigation.
