MADIKERI: In a major crackdown on wildlife poaching in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, forest department personnel opened fire in self-defence after alleged poachers attempted to run them over with a jeep during an anti-poaching operation. Two suspected poachers sustained bullet injuries, while officials seized 266 kg of suspected wild bison (gaur) meat, the vehicle used in the crime and other incriminating materials.
The incident took place near Bettathur village in Madikeri taluk during a special operation launched by the Kodagu Forest Division to curb the growing menace of illegal hunting of wild animals in the district. Forest officials said they had received specific intelligence about the movement of poachers transporting the meat of a protected wild animal from a forest area.
Acting on the information, a team of forest personnel laid a trap and intercepted a jeep believed to be carrying illegally hunted wildlife meat. As the officials signalled the vehicle to stop for inspection, the occupants allegedly attempted to flee by accelerating the jeep towards the forest staff.
According to the forest department, the accused deliberately drove the vehicle at the officials in an attempt to escape, forcing the personnel to jump out of the way to save their lives. Officials said the situation escalated within seconds, leaving them with no option but to use firearms in self-defence.
After repeatedly warning the occupants to stop, forest personnel fired three rounds at the vehicle to neutralise the threat and prevent the accused from escaping.
Two of the alleged poachers, identified as Zubair and Yakub, sustained bullet injuries during the operation. They were immediately overpowered by the forest staff and taken into custody.
The injured accused were rushed to the Madikeri District Hospital, where they received emergency treatment. Owing to the nature of their injuries, doctors later referred both men to a hospital in Mangaluru for specialised medical care. Their condition is reported to be stable, and they remain under police security.
Following the arrests, forest officials conducted a detailed search of the jeep and recovered approximately 266 kilograms of wild bison (gaur) meat packed in sacks. Officials suspect the protected animal was hunted inside the forest before being butchered for illegal transportation and sale.
The department also seized the jeep allegedly used for transporting the meat, along with guns and other materials believed to have been used during the poaching operation.
The seizure is being viewed as one of the most significant anti-poaching operations in Kodagu in recent months. Forest officials believe the accused are part of an organised wildlife poaching network involved in hunting protected animals and supplying bushmeat through illegal channels.
Samples of the seized meat have been sent for forensic examination to scientifically confirm the species. However, preliminary assessment by wildlife officials indicates that the meat belongs to a wild bison (gaur), a Schedule I protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The forest department has registered a criminal case against the accused under various provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. In addition, charges relating to attempted murder, obstructing public servants from discharging their official duties, illegal hunting of protected wildlife, illegal possession and transportation of wildlife meat, and other relevant offences are expected to be invoked.
Senior forest officials said the accused not only engaged in illegal hunting but also endangered the lives of government servants by attempting to run them over during the operation.
Kodagu’s dense forests, which form part of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, are home to rich biodiversity, including elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, deer and several endangered species. Despite strict enforcement measures, illegal hunting of wild animals for meat continues to pose a serious challenge for conservation authorities.
Forest officials said surveillance has been intensified in vulnerable forest areas, and more anti-poaching patrols have been deployed to prevent similar incidents. Intelligence gathering has also been strengthened to identify organised gangs involved in wildlife crimes.
Authorities are now investigating whether the arrested accused have links to other poaching syndicates operating in Kodagu and neighbouring districts. They are also probing the intended destination of the seized meat and whether a larger illegal wildlife trade network is involved.
