Joint investigation teams of the police and forest departments have arrested a man and detained another person in connection with the killing of a pregnant elephant in Kerala.

State’s forest minister K Raju said on Friday that the arrested man has been identified as P Wilson, a worker in an estate that cultivates cash crops and spices. The minister said that more people will be arrested by evening.

The two men arrested reportedly informed the interrogators that they created a trap of fruits filled with firecrackers to scare wild boars, as they destroy their farms.

The news went viral on media that an elephant went to a nearby Velliyar river after eating fruit. She died event the officials went to rescue her. The crackers inside the pineapple exploded.

Several actors, business figures, and sports persons raised voice against the killing of a 15-year-old pregnant elephant.

People of Kerala began a campaign “We are with Malappuram” to counter the attack against people behind the incident.

In the offence registered as per the sections of WL(P)A for hunting the elephant, several suspects are being interrogated. SIT formed for the purpose is making a significant headway in this regard.Forest Dept will leave no stone unturned to ensure max punishment to the offenders

— Kerala Forest Department (@ForestKerala) June 4, 2020

Popular figures, including cricketer Virat Kohli, raised voice againt the incident.

pic.twitter.com/sFwcDyxcgA

— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) June 3, 2020

Appalled to hear about what happened in Kerala. Let’s treat our animals with love and bring an end to these cowardly acts. pic.twitter.com/3oIVZASpag

Advertisement

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 3, 2020