A joint operation by Telangana Police and the Forest Department has led to the arrest of 10 people and the seizure of nine illegal country-made shotguns as part of an intensified crackdown on wildlife poaching in Nizamabad district. The operation was launched following the mysterious death of a leopard in the Devakkapet forest, which prompted authorities to strengthen surveillance across the area amid suspicions of illegal hunting activities. Officials described the action as a significant step in efforts to curb poaching and prevent the use of unauthorised firearms in protected forest regions.

Acting on specific intelligence, teams from the Central Crime Station (CCS) and Bhimgal Police carried out a pre-dawn operation on July 16 in Bhimgal mandal. During the raid, officers intercepted a group of men behaving suspiciously on the outskirts of Devakkapet village. A subsequent search of the surrounding forest resulted in the recovery of nine country-made shotguns allegedly concealed in the area. Police confirmed that none of the accused possessed valid firearm licences for the seized weapons.

Commissioner of Police P. Sai Chaitanya said the operation formed part of an intensified drive to eliminate illegal hunting and prevent unauthorised weapons from being used in forest areas. A case has been registered against the accused under Section 5 read with Section 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act. Preliminary investigations indicate that the firearms were allegedly being used to hunt wild animals in and around the Devakkapet forest, raising serious concerns about ongoing wildlife crimes in the district.

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The seizure comes at a time when authorities have stepped up enforcement following two recent leopard deaths that have alarmed forest officials and conservationists. Investigators are examining whether those arrested had any involvement in recent wildlife offences, including the death of the leopard that triggered the investigation. Police are also probing possible links between the accused and organised poaching networks that may be operating across forested areas of Telangana.

Officials have clarified that the investigation into the leopard's death remains ongoing and that all possible angles are being thoroughly examined. Police have appealed to the public to report any information related to illegal firearms, poaching activities or suspicious movements in forest areas, emphasising that community cooperation is essential for protecting wildlife, preserving biodiversity and preventing environmental crimes.

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