Chennai: The Denkanikottai Forest Department in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, fined seven individuals Rs 50,000 each for their alleged involvement in hunting a spotted deer and selling its meat, according to reports on Tuesday, December 26. The accused, identified as Chellappan (65), Ramraj (31), Rajiv (31), Nagaraj (28), Sivarajkumar (31), Mariyappan (65), and an 18-year-old, were arrested after the forest department received information about a spotted deer found dead in a public pond at Zuzuwadi village near Hosur.

Upon receiving the tip-off, forest officials quickly moved to recover the deer's body. However, before their arrival, the accused had removed the deer's body from the pond and dismembered it without informing the forest department. Subsequent investigations by the forest department revealed their involvement in the deer's hunting.

As a consequence, the department imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on each of the seven individuals. Additionally, a strict warning was issued, cautioning them against any future hunting activities or possession of items related to wild animals. They were informed that any further violation of wildlife laws would lead to severe actions under the Wildlife Act.