Youth Hunt Turtles For Grandmother’s Favourite Dish, Land In Legal Trouble

Last Updated:February 16, 2026, 12:43 IST

According to sources, relatives planned to prepare a turtle dish believed to have been her favourite, intending to include it in the ‘tithi ceremony’ marking her death anniversary.

A quiet stretch of riverbank in Dakshina Kannada of Karnataka became the centre of an unusual wildlife offence this week, when a ritual meal linked to a family ceremony drew the attention of police and forest officials. What began as preparations for a death anniversary observance ended in arrests and a reminder that wildlife protection laws apply regardless of occasion or intent.

In Belthangady, four individuals were arrested on February 14 for allegedly hunting turtles from the Somavati river. The group had arrived in the town on February 13 to participate in the post funeral rites of their grandmother, Devamma.

According to sources, relatives planned to prepare a turtle dish believed to have been her favourite, intending to include it in the ‘tithi ceremony’ marking her death anniversary.

Police Raid on Riverbank

On the afternoon of February 14, the accused reportedly went to the Somavati river to catch turtles for the ceremonial meal. Acting on credible information, a police team led by sub inspector Anand M conducted a raid at around 3.30 pm.

The four men were apprehended on the riverbank while attempting to cook the turtles. Officials seized four turtles that had already been killed and partially burnt. After the raid, the accused and the seized turtles were handed over to the Belthangady Range Forest Department for further action.

Forest officials conducted a formal mahajar after taking custody of the materials. Following preliminary inquiries, notices were issued directing the accused to appear before the court. They were later released the same night.

Joint Operation by Police and Forest Staff

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Belthangady sub divisional DySP Rohini C K and inspector B G Subbapura Math. The police team included sub inspector Anand M, assistant sub inspector Kushalappa, head constables Pramod, Pampapati and Prakash, and staff members Shwetha and Savitha.

Forest personnel involved included range forest officer Thyagaraj, deputy range forest officer Kiran Patil, staff member Sandeep, beat foresters Parashurama Meti and Divakar, and driver Kushalappa Gowda.

Officials noted that turtles are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, and hunting or possessing them without permission is a punishable offence. Even when linked to traditional rituals or community customs, the law does not permit the killing of protected species.

A Reminder on Conservation Enforcement

Authorities said the incident highlights strict enforcement of wildlife protection regulations in the region. River ecosystems in coastal and Malnad belts support several protected species, making vigilance essential.

While rituals and food traditions remain deeply rooted in many communities, officials stressed that conservation rules must be respected. The case serves as a reminder that wildlife protection laws apply uniformly, and violations can invite legal action regardless of the circumstances.

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