Kamareddy, 25 June
Wildlife Hunting Racket Busted in Kamareddy, 8 Held; Illegal Firearms Seized
In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife hunting activities, Kamareddy police arrested eight persons allegedly involved in poaching and seized a large cache of illegal firearms, hunting equipment, explosives, and motorcycles.
The operation was conducted under the district police’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities and strengthen public safety across the region.
According to Kamareddy Superintendent of Police (SP) M. Rajesh Chandra, the arrests were made following a coordinated investigation that exposed an organized network involved in wildlife hunting and illegal possession of firearms.
Suspects Caught During Vehicle Checks
The case came to light on Wednesday night when a police team led by Gandhari Sub-Inspector Mahender was conducting intensive vehicle inspections at Mondi Sadak crossroads under the ongoing Operation Kavach initiative.
During the checks, five individuals travelling on two motorcycles allegedly noticed the police presence and attempted to flee. The police team chased and apprehended the suspects, leading to the discovery of illegal hunting materials.
During the search operation, officers recovered country-made firearms, gunpowder, potash, steel pellets, felts, and other equipment commonly used for hunting wild animals.
As the suspects failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the possession of these items, police launched a detailed investigation. Wildlife Hunting Racket Busted in Kamareddy, 8 Held; Illegal Firearms Seized
Special Teams Formed to Uncover Network
Following the initial arrests, the SP constituted special investigation teams under the supervision of the Yellareddy Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to identify the entire network involved in illegal hunting and arms procurement.
The teams included officers from Sadashivanagar Circle, Gandhari Police Station, and Tadwai Police Station.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed that they had acquired country-made firearms specifically for hunting wildlife in forest areas.
Police said the suspects had entered forest regions for hunting but were forced to return due to heavy rainfall. They were intercepted during vehicle checks before carrying out further activities. Wildlife Hunting Racket Busted in Kamareddy, 8 Held; Illegal Firearms Seized.
More Weapons Recovered
Investigators later discovered that the accused had allegedly purchased five country-made firearms approximately three months ago for Rs 10,000 each through intermediaries.
The weapons were reportedly supplied by an individual identified as Aslam Chavus from Chinnarampur village in Banswada mandal.
During questioning, the accused revealed that three additional firearms had been hidden in agricultural fields near Gandivet Thanda. Acting on the information, police recovered the concealed weapons.
Further investigation led to the arrest of additional suspects, including the alleged supplier. Police teams apprehended them near a poultry farm close to Chinnarampur village and seized more illegal weapons and components. Wildlife Hunting Racket Busted in Kamareddy, 8 Held; Illegal Firearms Seized.
Eight Accused Arrested
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Vislavath Arun
- Vislavath Gopichand
- Angoth Laxman
- Vislavath Nanu
- Vislavath Ganesh
- Salavat Chander
- Angoth Dharma Naik alias Dharma
- Aslam Chavus
The accused belong to various villages in Kamareddy, Sangareddy, and surrounding districts.
Weapons and Hunting Equipment Seized
Police seized the following items during the operation:
- Five country-made firearms
- One air gun
- Three trigger mechanisms
- Three gun barrels
- Steel pellets
- Gunpowder
- Potash
- Felts
- Hunting equipment
- Two motorcycles
Authorities stated that the seized items will be produced as evidence during legal proceedings.
Police Continue Crackdown on Illegal Activities
Kamareddy police said the successful operation reflects their commitment to preventing wildlife crimes, illegal arms possession, and activities that threaten public safety and biodiversity.
Officials have warned that strict action will be taken against individuals involved in poaching and illegal hunting activities in forest regions.
The investigation is continuing to determine whether additional individuals are connected to the network.
Key Highlights
- Kamareddy police arrested eight persons involved in wildlife hunting activities.
- Operation conducted during vehicle checks under Operation Kavach.
- Five country-made firearms and an air gun seized.
- Special teams formed to investigate the poaching network.
- Illegal weapons supplier also arrested.
- Police recovered explosives, hunting equipment, and motorcycles.
- Investigation into the wildlife hunting racket is ongoing.
– Wildlife Hunting Racket Busted in Kamareddy, 8 Held; Illegal Firearms Seized