Madurai

The four persons were spotted in an auto-rickshaw along the shore by a team led by S Sathish, Forest Range Officer, Mandapam Wild Life Range, while patrolling.

The arrested were found in possession of 70 kg of sea turtle meat, which along with the vehicle were seized by the officials. Sea turtle is a marine endangered species protected under Schedule – I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Three months ago, a similar seizure of sea turtle meat was made, Sathish said. It was a punishable offence and anybody found guilty of possessing such meat can be imprisoned for three to seven years and fined up to Rs 10,000 under the Act, he said.

Those arrested persons were identified as M Anthony Sathiyagu (28) of Meenavar Colony, M Rooban (25), A Michael (29) of Sethupathy Nagar and E Vignesh (29), the auto driver from Chinna Paalam. Besides, two others have been absconding. A hunt has been initiated to nab the absconding persons and also four sellers of sea turtle meat, Sathish said.

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