Officers reported that the Kerala police have initiated an investigation into the theft of a set of elephant tusks from the Indian Army camp located in the Pangode area of Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala.
Following a complaint lodged on Wednesday by officers at the Indian Army station, the Poojappura police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 331(4) for house trespass and 305(3) for theft in sensitive areas of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and have commenced an investigation.
According to the complaint, two elephant tusks that were showcased in the officers' mess at the camp went missing between February 11 and 12. A program took place inside the military camp on Wednesday, after which the tusks were reported stolen. An officer from the Poojappura police, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that some individuals were brought in from outside for lighting and sound arrangements.
The officer mentioned that due to the location's high security and strict regulations, the individual could be an outsider attending the program or someone already within the camp. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made so far. Additionally, CCTV footage from inside and around the military camp is being reviewed.
The tusks are said to have a market value of ₹2 crore.
An anonymous defense official stated that the Army is conducting a separate internal investigation to identify those responsible for the theft. 'Some individuals are being interrogated,' he mentioned.
The military base in Pangode is a significant defense facility in Kerala, operating under the Army's southern command.