1.   A gang of sandalwood smugglers and ivory poachers stormed a village and shot and killed at least six unarmed villagers, a news agency reported Thursday.

2.   A telephone call made in the name of the dreaded bandit sandalwood smuggler and elephant poacher, Veerappan, is being taken seriously by police.

3.   Anti-terrorist commandos rescued three hostages who were held by a notorious gang of ivory poachers and sandalwood smugglers in southern Indian jungles, police said Saturday.

4.   Veerappan, a sandalwood smuggler and ivory poacher known only by one name, abducted nine forest guards to press his demand for amnesty.