Mysuru forest officials seize elephant tusk and arrest two

The Mysuru Forest Mobile Squad has arrested two men and seized an elephant tusk weighing approximately 1.5 kg during an attempted sale. The operation was initiated following a tip-off regarding three individuals planning to sell ivory.

One suspect, 33-year-old Rajesh, was intercepted on the Mysuru-T. Narasipur Road while traveling on a motorcycle. During questioning, he allegedly stated he was transporting the tusk to Tamil Nadu for sale. A second suspect, 35-year-old J. Ravichandra, was subsequently detained in Hunsur town. A third accomplice from the H. D. Kote area remains at large.

Forest officials are investigating the origin of the tusk, which is estimated to have come from an elephant approximately 20 years of age. Authorities are working to determine if the ivory was obtained from a deceased animal or if an animal was killed for the purpose. The two arrested men have been remanded in judicial custody.