Kothagudem: Huge haul of wildlife remains seized, 13 held
Gothikoyas have been encroaching forest areas illegally.
Kothagudem: The forest officials were surprised to see huge stock of skin and horns of wild animals in the houses of Gothikoya tribals in Chalamanna village under Chintalapudi forest area.
Over 13 gothikoyas were arrested under Section 51 read with 2(16), 9, 39 and 50 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Section 58 read with Section 2 of Bio-diversity Act, 2002.
The arrested would be produced before the first class magistrate, Kothagudem.
Forest personnel, led by S. Rambabu and the police, together raided the houses in the village and recovered the wildlife remains.
Skin of seven spotted deers, three horns of Chowsinga aka kondagorre and three horns of sambar, two horns of bison and two spines of porcupine were recovered from them.
The police seized two traps, 32 snares, 65 bows, 112 arrows, 20 spades, 40 axes and 60 sickles also from them.
According to officials, the tribals killed these animals and kept the remains as part of their sentiment. They said they had no idea of selling them.