Idukki: A priest and his friend, who forcefully stopped a Nilgiri tahr by its horn to take a photo, have been jailed at Tamil Nadu. 

Vicar of St. Mary’s church Rajakkad, Fr Shelton and his friend Jobi Abraham are the ones imprisoned.
 
The incident happened on January 5 while duo were travelling from Rajakkad to Valparai.   It came to light after picture of the priest holding the horn of the Nilgiri tahr taken by another traveller got published on a newspaper. The Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary ordered an investigation into the incident.

The Nilgiri tahr is Tamil Nadu’s state animal and is also protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. 

Later, the priest and his friend were arrested from Rajakkad. They have beenslapped with non-bailable charges. The duo was taken to Pollachi for quizzing. The accused were presented before court and remanded. They have been shifted to the Pollachi jail.