CB-CID probe ordered into suspicious death of accused in elephant poaching case

Image used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Crime Branch-CID of the Tamil Nadu police will investigate the death of suspected poacher G. Senthil, 28, of Kongarapatti village in Dharmapuri district, whose charred body was found after he allegedly escaped from the custody of forest officials. 

According to an official release, Senthil was taken into custody by forest officials after a mutilated and charred carcass of an elephant was found in Neruppur Forest Range, Pennagaram Taluk, Dharmapuri district, on March 1, 2025, and it was suspected that the elephant was killed for its tusks by some unknown persons.

The Forest Department registered a case, apprehended Senthil, and conducted enquiries. However, it was reported that the suspect escaped with handcuffs into the forest. Four others allegedly involved in the case were arrested and remanded in judicial custody.

Acting on a complaint lodged by the Forester, Pennagaram Range, that the suspect Senthil assaulted forest officials and escaped while in handcuffs, a case was registered by the Eriyur police.

Under these circumstances, forest officials received information about a decomposed male body at Sarakkadu forest area in Kongarapatti. The deceased was later identified as Senthil by his relatives, who raised suspicions on the circumstances leading to his death. 

Considering the seriousness of the issue, both cases were transferred to the CB-CID for further investigation, the release added.