Telangana Crackdown: Six Held for Illegal Wildlife Hunting in Shadnagar, Makthal

In a major crackdown exposing the growing menace of organised wildlife crime, a joint operation by police and forest officials led to the arrest of a six-member poaching gang in the forest regions of Shadnagar and Makthal in Telangana. Acting on specific intelligence , authorities conducted a swift raid on Monday and caught the accused red-handed while hunting , preventing further damage to local wildlife.

In a shocking development, officials confirmed that one of the arrested individuals is a professional shooter linked to the Telangana Rifle Association , raising serious concerns about the misuse of licensed weapons training in illegal hunting activities. The involvement of a trained shooter has added a new dimension to the case, indicating a more organised and skilled network behind such operations.

According to Task Force Additional DCP A. Srinivasa Rao , the gang had been systematically targeting wildlife using air guns. The animals hunted included deer, peacocks (India’s national bird), rabbits, quails, and pigeons , many of which are protected under Indian wildlife laws. During the operation, officials seized four air guns, a licensed rifle with 20 bullets, a vehicle, and eight mobile phones , suggesting the group was well-equipped and coordinated.

Investigations have revealed a disturbing pattern of behaviour. The accused allegedly recorded photos and videos of their hunting activities , pointing to a deliberate and repeated practice rather than isolated incidents. The main accused, a 42-year-old bird trader , confessed to engaging in illegal hunting with his associates between January last year and February this year , consuming the meat and disposing of animal remains in nearby canals to destroy evidence and evade detection .

The case reflects a wider and worrying trend across Telangana and other parts of India, where wildlife poaching is increasingly becoming an organised activity driven by demand for exotic meat and illegal trade . Experts warn that such crimes are often underreported , allowing networks to operate with relative impunity.

The accused have been booked under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 , which strictly prohibits hunting of protected species and prescribes stringent penalties, including imprisonment and fines . However, enforcement challenges and coordination gaps between agencies continue to hinder effective control.

Authorities have handed over the accused to the Hyderabad East Range Forest Department for further legal action. Officials emphasised the need for enhanced surveillance, inter-agency coordination, and public awareness to curb the rising threat of wildlife crimes and ensure stronger protection of biodiversity.