Sat Jan 18 11:09:10 UTC 2025: ## Three Convicted in 2009 Elephant Calf Poaching Case
**Kochi, Kerala –** A Kothamangalam court has sentenced three men to four years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹15,000 each for the poaching of a six-year-old elephant calf in 2009. Aji, Babu, and Shaji were found guilty of shooting the elephant in the Kuttampuzha forest range and attempting to sell its tusk. The incident occurred on July 8, 2009, in the Kathippara reserve forest.
Two other accused in the case were acquitted due to lack of evidence, while one died during the trial and another remains at large. The convicts’ sentences include time served. The case came to light when two of the accused were apprehended while attempting to sell the ivory. The investigation was conducted by a team of forest officials, and the prosecution was led by Assistant Public Prosecutors Belji Thomas and Sebastian G.
First Piper 