Tue Mar 18 15:35:01 UTC 2025: ## Three Arrested in Dharmapuri Elephant Poaching Case
**Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu – March 19, 2025** – Three men have been arrested and remanded in connection with the poaching of a young elephant in the Pennagaram forest range earlier this month. The carcass of the 7-10 year old tusker was discovered on March 1st, partially burnt and missing its trunk.
Police recovered two tusks from Karaikal village in Salem and country-made rifles from the accused, identified as S. Vijay Kumar (23), R. Dinesh (26), and V. Govindaraju (54). The poaching is believed to have occurred on February 27th in the Godubavi range.
The accused have been charged under the Wildlife Protection Act for poaching, removing tusks, and illegal possession and trade. A search is underway for three more suspects. The arrests follow the formation of five investigation teams by District Forest Officer K. Rajangam. This is the first reported elephant poaching in the Pennagaram forest range.
First Piper 