Four held for poaching and cooking spotted deer in Kovai

The arrested persons were identified as N Maruthan (50) of Tholampalayam, R Rajasekar (40) of Chinna Thadagam,  S Periyathambi of Kerala Road in Anaikatti and L Arjun (63). 

Officials said that Arjun and Maruthan were caught red handed while cooking the meat, at a grove in Pattisalai Road around 1 am on Wednesday. Inquiry revealed that they had hunted a three-year-old spotted deer and were cooking it in Rajasekar’s grove. 

Officials seized more than five kilograms of meat and hide of the animal and also some utensils. They were booked under sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Fine: A compounded  fine of Rs 80,000 was imposed on them. It included a fine of Rs 25,000 each on Periyathambi and Rajasekar and Rs 15,000 each on Maruthan and Arjun.