TOI - UDHAGAMANDALAM: Sekar, the second accused in the tiger bone case, arrested by the Tamil Nadu forest department, was sent to Karnataka on Tuesday for interrogation.

According to Karnataka forest officials, his judicial custody for three days has been permitted by the court. Interrogation of the accused is expected to throw more light on the case and the illegal trade of animal parts, the officials said.

In the meantime, Sathyamangalam forest officials, a few days ago, arrested another accused related to the case and seized 17 tiger claws from his possession.

On October 1, officials of Biligiri Ranga Temple Tiger (BRT) arrested Selvakumar, a resident of a village near Mettupalayam, for possessing tiger bones, near Poonjanur, close to Sathyamangalam forest area. Inquiry revealed that there were a few others involved in the operation. After three weeks, forest officials arrested another person, identified as Sekar, a local tribal.

SS Lingaraj, conservator of forest, BRT Reserve told TOI, "We have sought body-warrant of the second accused, Sekar who is under judicial custody. Permission has been granted. Hence he has been shifted to Karanataka," He added, "Sekar will be in the custody of the forest department for three days for interrogation."

A few days ago, Sathyamangalam forest officials cornered one more offender under the Wildlife Act in connection with the same case and recovered 17 tiger claws from him. He was identified as Palanisamy, a resident of Mavanatham settlement in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).

Rajkumar, district forest officer- Sathyamangalam division, told TOI, "The seized tiger claws were found to be fresh. After inquiry, Palanisamy was handed over to judicial custody."

Both Sekar and Palanisamy had reportedly confessed that the animal parts were meant for sale to Selvakumar and the carcass was buried inside the forest area.