MARGAO: The Wildlife Protection Board officials on Saturday mid-night foiled an alleged hunting expedition at Salgini, Netravali in Sanguem taluka, by 16 Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) employees, who were caught red-handed with five live cartridges.
They have been booked under the Wild Life Protection Act and the officials are learnt to have recovered some blood stains and are investigating the case. It was not known whether the KTCL employees killed a wild animal even as search was on in the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. The officials are in search of arms. However, the vehicle in which they travelled to Salgini, has been attached.
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According to the sources, on Saturday evening, all the 16 KTC workers, mostly drivers, conductors and mechanics hailing from Sanguem and Quepem talukas, crossed the Netravali check-post and reached Salgini. One of the employees is from Canacona taluka.
The officials of Wildlife Protection Board strongly suspected that two of the workers, who were part of the group, managed to escape under the cover of darkness and inquiry was on. As per the officials, the group had allegedly planned to hunt wild animals and hold a party in the forest, but were caught.
The Wildlife Protection Board officials after conducting legal formalities took all 16 persons to the Margao Court for remand. The Board officials were yet to produce them before the Sanguem Police for further inquiry since cartridges were found in their possession. A case is likely to be registered against them under Arms Act.
If the Wildlife Protection Board lodges a complaint, then the Sanguem Police will register an FIR and start investigation, it was informed.
