Tribal held for possession of country made guns, explosives in Vellore

A 53-year-old farmer was arrested for possession of two country made guns and crude bombs on his farmland at Peechamanthai, a tribal village on the outskirts of Vellore Corporation on Wednesday.

Forest officials said that the arrested person was identified as K. Swaminathan. Initial inquiry revealed that Swaminathan has been cultivating paddy and groundnuts in his two-acre farmland for many years.

Forest officials said that based on a tip-off, a special team led by D. Babu, forest range officer (Odugathur), conducted searches in his house and farmland. They found country made guns, explosives, nets, torchlights, and batteries.

Forest officials said that Swaminathan procured country made guns from his contacts in Kerala. He used pellets to hunt wild animals in surrounding forests in Jawadhu Hills. 

Forest officials seized two country made guns, raw meat, explosives, and other materials. A case was registered. He was arrested and lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. A probe is under way.