Dindigul Forest Department officials on Wednesday arrested two persons, both natives of Kerala, on the charges of poaching an Indian Bison (Gaur). The forest officials are on the lookout for three others, also natives of Kerala, who are absconding.According to the officials, the Forest Department received information regarding the poaching of an Indian Bison in Kannivadi Forest Range. A team led by Kannivadi Forest Ranger Kumaresan conducted a surprise inspection at the agricultural estates in KC Patti and Kuppammal Patti.During the inspection, Vinoth Sebastian, a native of Kerala, who had leased the land for farming, fled the scene on seeing the forest officials. Two workers Jegan and Joseph, both natives of Kerala, were apprehended by the officials and questioned. They confessed to poaching an Indian Bison. The meat of the poached animal and two air guns were seized from them.Based on information provided by them, the forest officials inspected a nearby cardamom drying unit operated by two persons: Raj Joseph and Reji, also natives of Kerala. The officials found the meat of the poached bison. It was being dried in the machinery. The police seized another air gun, sickles and knives. Raj Joseph and Reji also fled the premises on seeing the forest officials.The forest officials are currently interrogating Jegan and Joseph, who hail from Idukki district in Kerala. A total of 9 kg meat, three guns, sickles, knives and ammunition have been seized. The officials are on the lookout for Raj Joseph, Reji and Vinoth Sebastian who are absconding. Published - July 01, 2026 09:36 pm IST