Hyderabad: Kamareddy district police arrested eight members of an animal poaching gang and seized five country-made shotguns, an airgun, ammunition, and two motorcycles during an operation in the Gandhari police station limits. Superintendent of Police Rajesh Chandra disclosed the case details to the media on Thursday.
The operation began on Wednesday night when police conducted vehicle inspections at Mondi Sadak Chowrasta under the supervision of Sub-Inspector Mahender. During the checking, five men travelling on two motorcycles attempted to flee after noticing the police. Officers chased and detained them. A search led to the seizure of shotguns, gunpowder, potash and steel pellets.
During questioning, the accused admitted that they had gone to the forest area in Gandhari mandal to hunt wild animals. However, they abandoned the hunt and returned because of heavy rain. Police also found that the group had purchased one of the shotguns for ₹10,000 from a resident of Chinna Rampur village in Banswada mandal around three months ago.
Animal poaching gang linked to illegal firearms
Following further investigation, police arrested Vislavat Arun, Vislavat Gopichand, Angoth Lakshman, Vislavat Nanu and Vislavat Ganesh, all residents of Gandivet Thanda in Gandhari mandal. They also arrested Salavat Chander of Hajipur village in Nasrullabad mandal, Angoth Dharma Nayak of Nagadhar Thanda in Nizampet mandal of Sangareddy district, and Aslam Chavus of Chinna Rampur village in Banswada mandal.
Police seized five country-made shotguns, one airgun, gunpowder, potash, steel pellets and two motorcycles during the investigation. Yellareddy DSP Srinivas Rao, Sadashivnagar Circle Inspector Santosh, Sub-Inspector Mahender and police officer Naresh took part in the operation.