Kerala Police have launched an investigation into the theft of two elephant tusks from the Indian Army camp at Pangode in Thiruvananthapuram, a highly secured defence establishment under the Southern Command. The tusks, displayed inside the officers’ mess, were reported missing between February 11 and 12.
Based on a complaint filed by Army authorities, the Poojappura Police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to house trespass and theft at a sensitive location. Preliminary information suggests that the theft may have occurred following a programme held inside the camp, during which external personnel were reportedly allowed entry for lighting and sound arrangements.
Police officials stated that both external contractors and internal staff are being examined as part of the investigation. CCTV footage from within and around the military campus is being scrutinised, and several individuals are being questioned. No arrests have been made so far.
The stolen tusks are estimated to be worth nearly ₹2 crore in the illegal wildlife trade market. In parallel, the Indian Army has initiated its own internal inquiry to identify lapses and trace those responsible, underscoring the seriousness of the incident given the camp’s high-security status.
Authorities have assured that all angles are being thoroughly probed, and further action will follow based on evidence gathered through the joint civil–military investigation.
