Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Mar 30: The police, on Sunday, March 29, took into custody 18 persons who had planned trek in spite of the existence of lockdown order. They were arrested from Otekaje forest area in Karinja in Kanakamajalu village.

The group comprised of residents of Sunnamoole in Kanakamajalu village including men, women and children. The group even had a four-year-old member. They were ferried to the spot in Alto and Xylo vehicles.

The locals had observed that since the last two days, vehicles were entering the forest area through Karinja road. On Saturday, four persons in two motorbikes had arrived there. When a group of people in two vehicles came here on March 29 between 10.30 am and 12 pm, the locals informed the Sullia police. The police arrived at the spot and took all the group members into custody.

A small stream is located inside the forest area at Otekaje. Two hearths were found to have been set out by the side of the stream. Besides, carpets, rope, use and throw plastic plates were also found in the possession of the trekkers.