Bidar: The Forest Department has arrested six persons in connection with the illegal hunting of a blackbuck at the Chondi-Mamadapur grassland near the Honnikeri Reserved Forest area in Bidar district.
The incident was reported on August 17, when the group allegedly entered the grassland and hunted a blackbuck. Residents of Chondi Tanda and Mamadapur Tanda noticed the suspected hunters’ movement, alerted others, and tried to stop them.
Residents chased and apprehended three of the accused before handing them over to Forest Department officials. The remaining three allegedly fled the scene. Following the incident, the Forest Department launched a special search operation to trace the absconding suspects.
The search operation continued through the night, and officials said they traced and arrested the three accused who had fled on August 18.
The six arrested persons have been identified as Shoaib Malik, son of Mastan Ali, a resident of Quazi Galli in Chincholi of Kalaburagi district; Abdul Sayeed, son of Abdul Jameel, from Salehheen Colony in Nawab Sahab Kunta, Charminar-Falaknuma area of Hyderabad; and Mohd. Hameed Uzzaman, son of Mohammed Hamed Uzzaman, from Akber Bagh in Malakpet, Hyderabad.
The other three accused are Md. Naseer, son of Md. Abdul Hamed, a resident of Tadaban in Bahadurpura, Hyderabad; Areef Khan, son of Habib Khan, from Chincholi in Kalaburagi district; and Md. Haji, son of Dadapeer Haji, also a resident of Chincholi.
According to the Forest Department, two four-wheelers and a rifle allegedly used in the hunting operation have been seized. Investigators are examining the vehicles and weapon as part of the investigation to determine how the accused allegedly entered the grassland and carried out the hunt.
A wildlife offence case, numbered 02/2026-27, has been registered in connection with the incident. All six accused have been produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that three of the accused are residents of Chincholi taluk in neighbouring Kalaburagi district, while the other three are from Hyderabad in Telangana. Forest officials are examining how the group came together and travelled to the Chondi-Mamadapur grassland.
Officials have also said that persons from Telangana allegedly equipped with sophisticated long-range rifles were involved in the hunting incident. Investigators are now examining whether the accused had prior knowledge of the wildlife habitat and whether the hunting was a one-off incident or part of a wider poaching activity.
The blackbuck, scientifically known as Antilope cervicapra, is a Schedule-I protected wildlife species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The species enjoys the highest level of protection under the law, and hunting, killing or illegally possessing a blackbuck constitutes a serious wildlife offence.
Protecting blackbucks is particularly important because the species is closely associated with grassland ecosystems. Blackbucks are herbivores and help maintain the ecological balance of open grasslands. Their presence also reflects the health of these habitats, which support a wide variety of plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.
The Chondi-Mamadapur grassland is part of an important landscape adjoining the Honnikeri Reserved Forest area. Such grasslands provide feeding and breeding grounds for several species and serve as important ecological corridors. Illegal hunting can therefore have consequences beyond the loss of an individual animal, particularly when repeated incidents affect local wildlife populations.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of public participation in wildlife conservation. Residents of Chondi Tanda and Mamadapur Tanda reportedly noticed the suspicious movement and acted quickly, helping authorities apprehend three of the accused. The Forest Department has appreciated the residents for their alertness and cooperation.
Officials said information from local communities is often crucial in preventing wildlife crimes, particularly in forest-fringe and grassland areas where Forest Department personnel cannot monitor every location continuously.
The department is now investigating whether the seized rifle and vehicles were used in any previous hunting incidents. The department is also verifying the accused’s backgrounds and movements. Investigators are expected to question them about their alleged activities and determine whether anyone else was involved.
The Forest Department has appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately report incidents involving wildlife hunting, poaching, trapping or illegal possession of protected animals to the nearest forest officials.
Officials have stressed that wildlife protection is not solely the responsibility of government agencies. Local communities’ cooperation is essential to prevent poaching and protect fragile habitats. Early reporting helps forest officials reach the location quickly, prevent animal killings, and secure evidence needed for prosecution.
