Police in Kerala have launched an investigation after a pair of elephant tusks was allegedly stolen from an Indian Army camp in the Pangode area, a high-security defence establishment.
The case was registered by Kerala Police following a complaint from Army officials. Authorities have invoked provisions related to house trespass and theft at sensitive locations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and begun a detailed probe.
According to investigators, the tusks were displayed inside the officers&rsquo; mess and were discovered missing between February 11 and 12. A programme had recently been conducted within the camp, during which several external workers were reportedly brought in for lighting and sound arrangements, widening the scope of the inquiry.
Given the restricted nature of the facility, officers are examining whether the theft involved outsiders who entered the premises for the event or someone from within the camp. CCTV footage from inside and around the installation is being analysed, though no arrests have been made so far.
The stolen tusks are estimated to be worth around ₹2 crore in the open market, raising concerns about security at one of the region&rsquo;s key military stations operating under the Army&rsquo;s southern command.
Defence sources indicated that the Army has also initiated an internal investigation, with some individuals currently being questioned as officials work to identify those responsible for the breach.

Police launch probe after tusks vanish from secure military camp in Thiruvananthapuram

Elephant Tusks Stolen From Army Camp in Kerala

Police launch probe after tusks vanish from secure military camp in Thiruvananthapuram

February 13, 2026 | 17:32 IST