KOCHI: An illegal hunting trip by a four-member gang to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary area under Kuttampuzha Forest Range turned tragic after one was trampled to death and another was seriously injured by an elephant, on Wednesday night.
Basil Thankachan (35) who sustained injuries on spinal cord is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ernakulam.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department began an inquiry after registering a case for trespassing into the sanctuary with lethal weapons for hunting.
According to the forest officials, Sajith Joseph (30) of Vadakkel, Thattekad, and Anish (25) Nalucent Colony, Thattekad, had accompanied Tony and Basil for the illegal hunting in the forest area.
They encountered an elephant at Bharanikuzhy at 9 PM and the elephant started to chase the gang. Basil, Sajith and Anish managed to escape but Tony was not so lucky. He sustained severe injuries all over his body and succumbed to injuries at a private hospital in Kothamangalam by 2 AM on Thursday, police said.
According to the officials, Tony had also sustained an injury on his leg after the country-made gun in his possession accidentally went-off during the rush.
Kuttampuzha Forest Range Officer T X Xavier said they have already begun a probe on the issue. “A team led by range officer Sanjayan conducted searches in the forest and recovered a country-made gun from the spot, which was allegedly used by the accused for hunting. Entering the sanctuary with an intention of hunting is a grievous offence”, he added.
Sajith and Anish are at large after the incident.