Agartala, Aug 3: Authorities in Tripura have recovered three elephant tusks from a residence in Unakoti district, triggering a probe into suspected wildlife trafficking. The suspect, identified as Mayub Ali, is currently absconding, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The seizure took place on Saturday evening during a police operation in Sonapur village, based on a tip-off initially related to suspected drug smuggling. While searching the house, officers discovered three elephant tusks instead. Forest department personnel were subsequently alerted and took possession of the contraband.
“We were unable to detain the house owner as he fled before the team arrived,” a forest official said. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, and efforts are ongoing to locate the accused.
Subhankar Biswas, Assistant Wildlife Officer of Kailashahar, said the tusks appear to be from juvenile elephants. “We are investigating how the accused acquired them,” he stated, adding that legal proceedings are being coordinated between the forest department and local police.
“Even as the source of the tusks is still unclear, investigations are ongoing,” he added.
The Forest Department, in coordination with the police, has pledged to take stringent legal action against anyone found involved in the illegal possession and trade of wildlife body parts.
This incident follows a recent case where police filed an FIR after an elephant carcass with several missing body parts was discovered in the Pramod Nagar forest of Khowai district.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about wildlife crime in the state, especially after the recent discovery of an elephant carcass.
According to official data, Tripura currently has an estimated 102 elephants—42 in the wild and 60 in captivity. The forest department is also exploring sustainable tourism initiatives and has proposed an elephant safari project in Teliamura, Khowai district. “If approved, the safari could commence from the upcoming winter season,” an official said.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking. The investigation into the seized tusks continues. (With inputs from IANS)
