CPI(M) leader Vellanad Sasi surrenders in porcupine killing case

CPI(M) leader and Vellanad grama panchayat president Vellanad Sasi, who had been absconding in connection with the killing a porcupine, surrendered before forest officials in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

Mr. Sasi allegedly bludgeoned the animal to death using a rod after it entered the compound of a house in Vellanad on February 28. A case had been registered against him under non-bailable sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act.

He surrendered at the Paruthippally forest range office. The porcupine is listed under Schedule 1 of the Act, which provides the highest level of protection to wildlife.

On the day of the incident, the porcupine was first spotted within the house premises, following which residents informed the ward member, who in turn alerted the panchayat president. The Forest department was also notified by locals and the house owner. However, before officials could arrive at the scene, Mr. Sasi allegedly attacked the animal.

Visuals of the incident, recorded on a mobile phone and widely circulated on social media, played a key role in bringing the case to public attention and tightening the case against him. The accused had gone into hiding ever since.