Bhind (MP): A tortoise was axed to death at Sikri Jagir village in this district's Lahar Sub-Division.
In the wake of a video of the incident surfacing, a Forest Department team from here reached the village yesterday. It was led by Ranger Basant Sharma. Team member Santosh Tiwari and others endeavoured to speak with locals but initially received no cooperation.
Later, with the help of a kotwar, the team reached the scene of crime. An inquiry led to identification of three culprits against whom a case under the Wildlife Protection Act was registered. The accused are absconding.
On Thursday, the trio caught a large tortoise from a pond near the village, brought it to Sikri Jagir, killed it, cooked the meat and gave a feast to the villagers.
Locals said that Lala Balmiki slew the creature. Angad Balmiki and Uday Balmiki were also involved.
"The trio were identified on the basis of the video," Sharma said.
