Cops looking for 3 over killing of pregnant Kerala elephant

Vijayan also took strong exceptions to the manner in which some Union ministers and some other leaders in Delhi have given a different colour to the killing of the elephant.

"This incident occurred in Palakkad district and not like what these leaders have said this incident occurred at Malappurram district. This we feel is a purposeful attempt to degrade Malappurram district and Kerala. This is not acceptable at all. The environment is made up of man, animals, trees and rivers. Yes, there have been man-animal conflict and we are all working towards bringing this to the lowest. But if anyone tries to spread canards, it will not be taken lightly," said Vijayan.

Vijayan was responding to strong remarks made by BJP leader Maneka Gandhi, when she said " Malappurram is known for its intense criminal activity specially with regards to animals. No action has ever been taken against a single poacher or wildlife killer so they keep doing it."

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan tweeted, "I have already taken up the matter with State Govt expressing my anguish. Govt of Kerala is taking adequate strong actions those responsible for this abominable act will be brought to justice."

In an earlier development, a Kerala forest department team probing the killing of the pregnant elephant is leant to have taken two persons into custody. The forest officials are tight-lipped on the progress of their investigation.

The elephant's habitat was in the Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad district. The local Manarakadu police station on Wednesday registered a case in the gruesome incident.

"The forest department and the police are probing the incident and we are confident of finding the villains behind this crime," said Sub Inspector of Police T.K. Ramachandran. (IANS)

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