In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, the Khammam District Forest Department has arrested four individuals for the alleged poaching of spotted deer inside the Sathupalli Urban Park. The arrests followed a tip-off from vigilant locals, leading to a coordinated operation by forest officials and the District Task Force.
Tip-Off Leads to Initial Arrests and Seizure
Acting on the intelligence provided by the local community, authorities first apprehended two suspects earlier this week. The arrested individuals were identified as Mecha Raghu and Kunja Bharat. During the investigation, officials confirmed a critical detail: Mecha Raghu is the licensed owner of the sniper gun suspected to have been used in the poaching incident.
The operation expanded on Friday with the arrest of two more accused, Gopikrishna and Sriram Prasad. In a major seizure, the department also confiscated a vehicle that was allegedly brought into the forest area illegally to facilitate the hunting activities.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Filed
All four accused were presented before the Principal Junior Civil Judge–cum–Judicial First Class Magistrate in Sathupalli. The court ordered them to be remanded in judicial custody for 11 days, following which they were transferred to the Sathupalli sub-jail.
The Forest Department has registered cases under a stringent set of laws, demonstrating the seriousness of the offence. The accused face charges under:
- The Telangana Forest Act, 1967
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- The Arms Act, 1959
While the immediate poaching incident has been addressed, officials are still working to verify the exact number of deer or other wild animals that may have been killed in earlier instances by the group. A further probe into the network and past activities is currently underway.
Forest Department's Stern Warning and Future Plans
In the wake of this incident, the Forest Department has issued a strong statement, doubling down on its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against wildlife. A department spokesperson emphasized that such acts will be met with the full force of the law.
To prevent future incidents, the department has announced concrete plans to strengthen surveillance, enhance patrolling, and bolster intelligence networks across the region. This move aims to protect vulnerable wildlife habitats and ensure that urban forest parks like Sathupalli remain safe sanctuaries for animals.
The successful operation, triggered by a public tip-off, highlights the crucial role local communities play in conservation efforts. It serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences awaiting those involved in the illegal hunting of protected species in Telangana.
