In the aftermath of the reported theft of two ivory pieces worth over Rs 2 crore from the Pangod Military Station, the Kerala Forest Department has refused the Indian Army’s requests to access ivory tusks kept in state vaults.
Pangod Police have registered a case at Poojappura Police Station, detaining 17 individuals in connection with the theft. The stolen items, previously stored at the officers’ mess in the military station, sparked concerns over security of wildlife trophies even in restricted military areas.
Several Army regiments from Assam, Gujarat, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan had sought ivory tusks, assuring secure storage. However, following the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s directive, all pending applications were returned. The ministry highlighted that the Wildlife Protection Act does not permit transfer of such items for display or decoration and treats ivory as state property. Once their legal or utility period expires, ivory must be scientifically destroyed.
Also read: Ivory pieces over ₹2 crore stolen from Army facility; 17 held
Kerala maintains an extensive stockpile of ivory seized from poaching or collected after natural deaths, secured in high-security vaults with electronic surveillance and armed guards. Access requires multiple officials and three separate keys, with each tusk documented in detail.
While officials have proposed creating a museum for educational purposes, the current legal framework prohibits display or redistribution. The Pangod incident has renewed focus on stringent custody and disposal measures. Unauthorized possession of ivory remains a non-bailable offence in Kerala, previously affecting high-profile figures including actor Mohanlal.
The Forest Department is now preparing to scientifically incinerate older stocks, in compliance with central guidelines, underscoring the state’s commitment to wildlife protection and legal protocols.
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