Rangareddy, Sept.28 : Special Operations Team (SOT) police officers intercepted eight poachers at Raikal toll plaza near Shadnagar on Monday, seizing 13 kilograms of spotted deer meat (venison), an airgun rifle, and two transport vehicles. The gang, hailing from the Old City area of Hyderabad, allegedly hunted the deer in the Marikal forest range of the former Mahabubnagar district before attempting to transport the meat to their residences.
Acting on suspicion during routine vehicle inspections at the toll gate, SOT personnel stopped the two vehicles and discovered the hidden meat along with hunting equipment. Officers immediately detained the eight individuals and transferred them to Kothur Police Station for initial interrogation. Kothur Inspector Nagarjuna Reddy confirmed that the suspects were taken into custody and the case is being handed over to the Forest Department for further statutory action under wildlife protection laws.
Following the seizure, forest officials shifted the confiscated meat to the local government veterinary center for scientific sampling. Local Veterinary Officer Dr. Padmini collected meat samples and sent them to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Habsiguda, Hyderabad. Dr. Padmini stated that CCMB experts will perform DNA testing to precisely determine the animal species, gender, and approximate age.
Forest and police departments have launched a joint investigation to determine the exact hunting location and identify potential buyers linked to the illegal venison trade. Officials are filing formal charges and preparing to remand the eight accused individuals into judicial custody.
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