Three persons were arrested for poaching wild animals with country-made explosives at Ozur village in Odugathur Reserve Forest (RF) on the outskirts of Vellore Corporation on Wednesday.
Forest Department officials said that those arrested were identified as S. Gopi, 37, V. Settu, 42, and G. Ranjith, 27. They are residents of Alleri tribal village in Jawadhu Hills. Three country-made guns were seized from the gang.
Initial inquiry revealed that it was during a routine patrol by a team of forest staff in the RF, the team found the duo in the forest with a bag of explosives.
The gang tried to escape as soon as they say the forest team approaching them in a jeep. However, the forest team apprehended them.
They made as well as sourced country-made explosives through acquaintances in Kerala.
Forest officials said that they poached wild animals to supplement their income from driving and masonry work. A case has been registered by Ariyur police. Arrested persons were lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. A probe is under way.
Published – July 29, 2026 11:47 pm IST
