THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major breakthrough, a special team of the Forest Department officials nabbed the key accused in the elephant poaching case at the Trivandrum International Airport on Sundaynight.
Rajan alias Eagle Rajan, a native of Pettah, had been absconding since a search was launched for him in connection with the case.
Rajan, who was learnt to be hiding abroad, was nabbed by the Vigilance head of the Forest Department following a tip-off.
Earlier, the officials had received information that Rajan might land here on Saturday. But, he postponed his journey to Sunday, an official said.
Rajan had been involved in the trade of ivory products for quite some time. He played a major role in arranging the collectibles that were illegally made using ivory to cater to the demand of the clients in and outside the country.
Rajan’s wife Mini was also arrested by the officials last week from her residence at Pettah.
Mini’s role in the illegal trade came to light after her bank records provided details of transactions made to Aji Bright, another accused in the case who was recently. Transactions amounting to around `30 lakh had been made through this bank account over the last two years.
With this, the total number of accused arrested in the elephant poaching case has gone up to 16.
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