Crime Branch arrests absconding accused in 2005 theft of ivory and sandalwood billets from Forest department warehouse in Kerala’s Kasaragod (thehindu.com)
Mohammed Farid, 60, has been arrested by the Crime Branch for his alleged involvement in a 2005 theft case. The stolen items included ivory and sandalwood billets from a Forest department warehouse in Kasaragod, Kerala. Farid is identified as an active member of a gang accused of committing similar thefts in multiple states.
The gang is suspected of targeting forest resources across Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Crime Branch has linked Farid to several other incidents of illegal extraction of protected materials. Authorities are now investigating the extent of the gang’s activities and potential accomplices.
This arrest marks a significant step in addressing organized thefts of forest resources. The case highlights ongoing challenges in securing government property in southern India. Further details on the scale of the thefts and legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
