Eight arrested in Kamareddy wildlife poaching operation; illegal firearms seized

Authorities in Kamareddy district have apprehended eight individuals suspected of involvement in animal poaching and confiscated an array of illegal weapons during a coordinated law enforcement action. The arrests took place within the jurisdiction of Gandhari police station, with Superintendent of Police Rajesh Chandra briefing journalists about the operation on Thursday.

The enforcement drive commenced late Wednesday evening when officers, led by Sub-Inspector Mahender, set up vehicle checkpoints along Mondi Sadak Chowrasta. As police initiated inspections, five suspects riding two motorcycles attempted to evade the checkpoint. Officers pursued and apprehended them. A subsequent search yielded five country-made shotguns, one airgun, gunpowder, potash, steel pellets, and the two motorcycles used in the escape attempt.

During interrogation, the detained individuals revealed they had ventured into forested regions of Gandhari mandal with the intention of hunting wildlife. The expedition was cut short when severe rainfall forced them to abandon their plans and return. Investigators discovered that one of the confiscated shotguns had been purchased approximately three months prior for ₹10,000 from a resident of Chinna Rampur village in Banswada mandal.

The investigation led to the identification and arrest of Vislavat Arun, Vislavat Gopichand, Angoth Lakshman, Vislavat Nanu, and Vislavat Ganesh, all from Gandivet Thanda in Gandhari mandal. Three additional suspects were also taken into custody: Salavat Chander from Hajipur village in Nasrullabad mandal, Angoth Dharma Nayak from Nagadhar Thanda in Nizampet mandal of Sangareddy district, and Aslam Chavus of Chinna Rampur village in Banswada mandal.

The operation involved collaboration from multiple law enforcement personnel, including Yellareddy DSP Srinivas Rao, Sadashivnagar Circle Inspector Santosh, Sub-Inspector Mahender, and police officer Naresh.