CAG finds flaw in granting exemption to a Kerala actor in elephant tusk case

Thiruvananthapuram : A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)report for 2016-17 tabled in the Assembly on Friday faults the state authorities for granting exemption to a leading Kerala actor found in possession of four elephant tusks in 2011.

However, the report does not name the actor. Forest Department officials in 2011 found four elephant tusks at the actor's residence and registered a case against him. The CAG notes that after registering an offence, he was allowed to declare possession of four articles by issuing an order specifically meant for him. The audit report noted that issuing a specific order for the benefit of a person, and not issuing a notification, was a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.