Chikkamagaluru: All the 11 accused in the recent Sambhar poaching case that came to light from Tarikere have been handed over to the forest department for further investigations. The accused will be in Forest Department’s custody till January 10.

It may be recalled that on New Year a gang of 12 had poached Sambar in Tarikere area. While 11 were nabbed, one fled the spot.

Amid alleged political pressure and attempts to derail the investigations, the forest team led by inquiry officer and assistant conservator of forests (ACF) Sharanu Bassappa started interrogating the 11 accused and also the two others arrested on Thursday night.

However, sources have revealed that the accused are all professional poachers and that main accused Rafiq Ahmed has been involved in poaching cases in Cauvery Wildlife Santuary, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Bandipur National Park and also some other states of the country.

With this credentials, there is an immediate need to have a high-level investigation and unearth more details about the gang.

Meanwhile, Chikkamagaluru court has denied bail for all the 13 accused, including Mustaq Ahmed, the owner of Scorpio car used for the crime and Ansar, who were arrested in Chikkamagaluru on Thursday night.