Subrahmanya: The Forest Department officials in Kukke Subrahmanya arrested two persons on the charge of hunting and killing three giant squirrels in the reserve forest near the temple town on Sunday.

Honnappa K. (42) of Charmata House, Nalkuru village, Nadugallu in Sullia taluk, and Ramesh P.K. (42) of Kallugudde House, Kukke Subrahmanya village in Kadaba taluk are the arrested persons.

The hunting was noticed at Posara Thodu area in the reserve forest at about 2.15 p.m. Giant squirrels are protected animals under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They are Schedule II animals under the Act which provides absolute protection.

Meanwhile, forest officials have launched a search for two more accused who are absconding. Subrahmanya D. of Ambekallu House in Nalkuru village, Sullia taluk, and Subrahmanya Noochila of Noochila village, Subrahmanya in Kadaba taluk, who are currently on the run are wanted in connection to this crime.

The case is being investigated by Assistant Conservator of Forest Austin and Tyagaraj, Range Forest Officer, Kukke Subrahmanya.