Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (IANS) Three people, including a minor, were Wednesday arrested for killing a spotted deer in a forested area on the outskirts of the Orissa capital, an official said.

They were arrested on the charge of killing the deer in Chandaka-Dampada wildlife sanctuary area, divisional forest officer A.K. Patnaik told IANS.

About 25 kg of deer meat and some weapons, including axes, were found in their possession, he said.

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, injuring or killing a spotted deer is a criminal offence.

Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of animals and birds including deer, leopard, chital, common langur, Indian mongoose and pangolin.