Tribal man held for possession of country-made explosives in Ranipet

A 45-year-old tribal man from Irular community was arrested for possessing more than 50 country-made explosives to hunt wild animals in forest areas in Ranipet on Wednesday.

Forest Department officials said 55 country-made explosives, a two-wheeler, nets, torchlights and batteries were seized from B. Venkatesh, a resident of Irular Colony in Walajah town. 

Initial inquiry revealed that during a routine patrol by a six-member forest team at a toll gate in Walajah on Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH 48), the team found Venkatesh to be acting in a suspicious manner as he was waiting with his two-wheeler while holding a hand bag.

Once he saw the team, Venkatesh allegedly tried to escape leaving behind the bag and the vehicle, but the team rounded him up. The suspect could be involved in poaching in the area regularly, as he came prepared with all the things needed to hunt, forest officials said. 

Forest officials said that Venkatesh was aware of terrain and wild species, including flora and fauna, in the forests in the area. He manufactured country-made explosives by sourcing raw materials from stone-quarry operators illegally, to hunt small wild animals. 

A case has been registered under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. He was lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. Further probe is under way.