Four persons were arrested by forest department officials in Perianaickenpalayam today in a case relating to hoarding deer meat and skin near Anaikatti forest range.

The arrested are Rajasekar, Maruthan, Arjunan and Periyathambi.

Periyanaickenpalayam Forest Ranger Palani Raja got a tipoff from local people about the hoarding of deer meat.

Following this, he went to the spot with a team and found the persons eating deer meat. They had also stored the animal’s skin.

“Deer from Anaikatti forest range was attacked and killed by a wild dog. The four planned to eat the deer meat and sell the skin. We went along with the team last night and confiscated 10 kg meat and skin around 1 am,” said Palani Raja.

The arrested persons were taken into custody and further investigation is on. According to one of the forest officials, the arrested may be remanded in custory or let off after paying fine.