BIDAR
The local Forest Department has successfully apprehended three additional suspects linked to the illegal poaching of a protected blackbuck. This high-profile wildlife case unfolded within the sprawling grassland area nestled between Chondi and Mamadapur villages in Bidar taluk. With these fresh arrests, the total number of individuals taken into custody has climbed to six.
The troubling sequence of events began on August 17, when the quiet atmosphere of the Chondi-Mamadapur grassland was shattered by the sharp sound of gunfire. Alert villagers from nearby Chondi and Mamadapur Tanda heard the blast, quickly investigated the commotion, and bravely chased down the suspects. They managed to capture three men on the spot and promptly handed them over to local authorities.
Following leads from that initial bust, forest officials launched a wider manhunt. A dedicated special team was formed, working closely with the Bidar and Kalaburagi police departments alongside wildlife officials from neighboring Telangana. Their joint efforts led to the capture of three more men: Mohammed Naseer Mohammed Abdul Hameed from Hyderabad, Arif Khan Habib Khan from Chincholi taluk in Kalaburagi district, and Mohammed Haji Dadapeer Haji.
The trio originally caught by villagers on the day of the crime were identified as Soheb Mallik Mastan Ali, Abdul Sayeed Abdul Jameel, and Hameed Usman Mohammed Hameed. Investigators revealed that the active poaching ring consisted of three suspects from Jambagi in Kalaburagi and three from Hyderabad. Authorities also raised serious concerns over the use of advanced, long-range rifles in hunting vulnerable wild animals. During the raids, officers successfully seized a rifle and two cars used by the poachers.
The operation was led by Basavakalyan Assistant Conservator of Forests Muneer Ahmed, supported by regional forest officers. Bidar RFO Praveen Kumar is currently leading the ongoing investigation.
Officials emphasized that the blackbuck is a sacred animal listed as a Schedule-I protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act. Hunting this rare creature is a severe crime carrying heavy prison sentences. Meanwhile, forest authorities expressed deep gratitude to the brave residents of Chondi and Mamadapur Tanda for their swift and courageous actions. Officials urged citizens to stay vigilant and immediately report any illegal hunting activities to the nearest forest office.
