Hyderabad Task Force Dismantles Poaching Network, Arrests Six Suspects

Hyderabad law enforcement has successfully dismantled an organized poaching network, leading to the arrest of six individuals engaged in illegal wildlife hunting activities in forest regions surrounding the city.

A coordinated operation between the Golconda team of the Task Force and forest department officials targeted the Shadnagar and Makthal forest areas, resulting in significant seizures. Authorities recovered four airguns, one licensed rifle containing 20 rounds of ammunition, a Scorpio vehicle, and various hunting equipment used by the gang.

The suspects—identified as Mohd Muzzaffar Hussain, Mir Ahmed Amir, Abdullah bin Sahain, Saud bin Mohd Balab, Masood bin Mohd, and K. Shekar—systematically hunted deer, peacock, rabbits, quail, and doves throughout the forest zones. The group documented their activities by recording videos on mobile phones, which investigators later recovered as evidence.

According to investigators, the poaching operation had been active for more than a year, with members regularly venturing into protected forest areas to kill wildlife. The hunters consumed the meat from their kills and disposed of animal carcasses in nearby canals following each expedition.

Within the group, Mir Ahmed Amir functioned as the professional marksman, holding the legal authorization for the rifle in question. K. Shekar served as the guide, providing knowledge of locations where wildlife could be found. The Scorpio vehicle facilitated their operations by transporting weapons and enabling the gang to reach remote forest zones.

Police recovered eight mobile phones and airgun ammunition during the operation. Digital evidence on these devices included photographs and videos documenting the hunting expeditions.

During interrogation, the accused individuals acknowledged conducting multiple hunting incidents at various dates throughout 2025 and 2026.

The suspects have been transferred to the Forest Range Officer at Hyderabad East Range for subsequent legal proceedings. Investigators have registered charges under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with offences encompassing illegal hunting and unauthorized possession of protected wildlife.

The operation proceeded under the oversight of Additional DCP Ande Srinivasa Rao, with Task Force personnel continuing their investigation into the matter.