Three arrested for selling deer antlers worth ₹10 lakh

The police said that during interrogation, the accused confessed that they intended to sell the antler for a large profit. | Photo Credit: File Photo The Central Crime Branch and the Chikkabanavara police arrested three persons for allegedly attempting to sell prohibited deer antlers near a college in Chikkabanavara. The accused were identified as Murali, 29, Manjunath, 39, and Kariyappa, 53. According to the police, on May 9, officers of the Organised Crime Wing (East) of the CCB received information that unidentified persons were trying to sell the antlers of a wild animal near a college in Chikkabanavara. After verifying the information, officials registered a case at the Chikkabanavara Police Station under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (2022 Amendment). Subsequently, a joint team led by Police Inspector Suresh P. of the CCB, along with personnel from Chikkabanavara Police Station, conducted a raid at the spot. During the operation, the three accused were apprehended, and one deer antler was seized. The police said that during interrogation, the accused confessed that they intended to sell the antler for a large profit. The seized antler is estimated to be worth around ₹10 lakh. The accused were produced before a court on May 10. One of the accused was remanded to seven days of police custody, while the remaining two were sent to judicial custody. The police said a prime suspect in the case is still absconding and further investigation is under way. Published - May 12, 2026 06:57 pm IST