Illegal wildlife hunting gang busted; 6 land behind bars

• Created On:  6 May 2026 9:56 AM IST

By The Hans India

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The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force, Golconda team, in coordination with the Forest Department, busted an illegal wildlife hunting gang operating in the Shadnagar and Makthal forest areas, arresting six persons and seizing weapons and equipment used in the offences.

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The arrested accused were identified as Mohd Muzzaffar Hussain alias Guddu (42), a bird sales businessman; Mir Ahmed Amir (27), a shooter and student; Abdullah Bin Sahain (27), an optical shop owner; Saud Bin Mohd Balab (41); Masood bin Mohd (43), a Rapido driver; and K Sheker (38), a farmer.

Police seized multiple weapons, including Vertigo and Gamo airguns, a Walther Dominator airgun, and a licensed .30-06 Non-Prohibited Bore sporting rifle along with 20 bullets. A knife used in hunting, mobile phones containing videos of hunting, a car used in the crimes, and airgun pellets were also recovered.

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According to officials, the accused targeted wild animals such as deer, peacocks, rabbits, wild pigs, quail and doves. The group used airguns and rifles to hunt animals across forest areas and consumed the meat. Investigators revealed that Sheker acted as an informer, guiding the gang to locations of wild animals in exchange for commission.

Police said the accused were close associates, with members hailing from Hyderabad, Jadcherla and Narayanpet. Amir, a professional shooter associated with the Telangana Rifle Association, possessed a licensed rifle but allegedly misused it in hunting activities.

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Additional DCP Ande Srinivasa Rao said the gang had been actively hunting wildlife over the past year. Specific incidents include the hunting of a peacock in January 2025, wild pig in March 2025, and multiple deer between April and May 2025. Further hunting incidents were reported in July and November 2025, and again in February 2026.

Each time, the accused allegedly recorded videos and took photographs of the hunts on mobile phones. After consuming the meat, they disposed of animal remains, including heads and skin, in nearby canals, particularly in the Jurala backwaters.

Police also found deer meat stored in Muzzaffar’s residence. The gang reportedly used a Scorpio vehicle to transport weapons and travel to forest areas for hunting. 

Telangana Local News

Following the arrests, the accused were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Hyderabad East Range, for further investigation. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.