Two Arrested for Cooking Protected Porcupine Meat in Kotagiri

Speedy Summary

• two men were arrested in Kotagiri for allegedly cooking the carcass of a porcupine hit by a vehicle on August 13, 2025.
• Forest Department launched an inquiry after being informed about the incident. CCTV footage revealed a man retrieving the porcupine carcass.
• The accused were identified as P. Raju Thapa (32), who initially collected the carcass, and Mahendran, who handed it over to his brother-in-law Joseph for cleaning and cooking.
• The Kotagiri forest Range officials registered cases against all three individuals involved.
• Raju Thapa and Joseph were arrested, presented before Kotagiri Judicial Magistrate Court, and remanded to judicial custody; attempts are ongoing to apprehend Mahendran.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The incident highlights concerns surrounding wildlife protection laws in India and their enforcement. While hunting or consumption of wild animals is strictly prohibited under Indian law – governed by acts such as the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 – cases like this underscore both legal violations and gaps in public awareness regarding wildlife conservation ethics.

Kotagiri’s Forest Department acted swiftly here using surveillance tools like CCTV cameras, which reflect some improvement in implementing safeguards for biodiversity hotspots such as nilgiris district. However, incidents involving lesser-known species like porcupines also bring into focus broader challenges regarding illegal wildlife trade or exploitation normally centered around more iconic animals.

This case could serve as an example for raising community awareness about respecting local fauna while underscoring how public vigilance can complement official enforcement efforts.

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