The D N Nagar police apprehended a trio while attempting to sell a dead sambar’s skull on Tuesday. The police received a tip-off on July 25, indicating that the accused would be present near Vajeda House, Samata Nagar, Andheri (West). Upon reaching the spot, the police found three alleged culprits in possession of the dead Sambar’s skull, which had thorns attached to it. Swiftly, the police apprehended the suspects.

According to API Rakesh Pawar of DN Nagar police station, “The accused have confessed that they found the animal in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and approximately two months ago, it had consumed plastic, leading to its imminent death. They claim they did not kill the animal; rather, they removed the skull after its skin decomposed and attempted to sell it in posh areas of Mumbai.” The skull’s estimated worth in the international market is Rs 20 lakh.