Forest officials detained a man who was in possession of 11 kg of venison, believed to be that of the brow-antlered deer (Sangai), an endangered species, near here on Thursday.
The population of the deer is less than 300 in its natural habitat, the Keibul Lamjao National Park, 60 km away from Imphal.
Officials of the Forest department (wildlife wing) and some wildlife enthusiasts intercepted the suspected meat seller at the main bridge at Sekmaijin, as he was coming towards Imphal. During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly gave incoherent replies. Since the officials believe that the seized venison is that of Sangai, he was handed over to the Central Forest Division, Mantri Pukhri, in Imphal.
