Six men were arrested on Tuesday following a joint operation by the Commissioner’s Task Force (Golconda) and the Telangana Forest Department targeting illegal wildlife hunting in the Shadnagar and Makthal forests. The group is accused of poaching protected species, including deer and peacocks, in violation of wildlife protection laws.

The arrested individuals were identified as Mohd Muzzaffar Hussain (42), Mir Ahmed Amir (27), Abdullah bin Sahain (27), Saud bin Mohd Balab (41), Masood bin Mohd (43), and K. Shekar (38). Officials conducted the raids after receiving specific intelligence regarding poaching activities within the forest ranges.

Law enforcement and forest officials are currently investigating whether the group is linked to a larger commercial wildlife trafficking network. The accused are expected to be produced before a local court for judicial remand as the investigation continues.