---
title: "Seven Custodied After Tiger Poaching Discovery in NSTR Forest Reserve"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/seven-arrested-nstr-tiger-poaching-giddalur-investigation-4nz6b
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-05T13:54:58.000Z
modified: 2026-08-05T16:01:58.599Z
language: en-IN
---

# Seven Custodied After Tiger Poaching Discovery in NSTR Forest Reserve

Forest officials in Markapuram district arrested seven suspects on Tuesday following the recovery of an adult tiger carcass in the Racherla forest beat. The operation led to the seizure of tiger remains and illegal weaponry used in the wildlife crime.

## Key takeaways

- Seven suspects were arrested in Markapuram district following the discovery of an adult tiger carcass on July 31, 2026.
- Authorities seized seven tiger claws, limb bones, a country-made firearm, and an axe during the law enforcement operation.
- The investigation utilized the HANUMAN project team, dog squads, and technological support to track the alleged poachers.
- Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 as the broader probe continues.

## Investigation Overview

Authorities took seven individuals into custody at Giddalur on Tuesday, marking a breakthrough in the investigation into a tiger poaching incident within the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR). The enforcement action follows the July 31, 2026, discovery of a tiger carcass in the Racherla forest beat. Forensic analysis of samples collected during the post-mortem examination helped guide the multi-agency response.

## Key Facts

- Seven tiger claws and several limb bones were recovered from the suspects.
- Law enforcement seized a country-made firearm and an axe during the arrests.
- The operation involved the Gundlakamma Forest Range Officer, the Giddalur Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, and NSTR veterinary staff.
- The Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife (HANUMAN) project team provided specialized investigative support.
- Charges have been filed under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

## Strategic Coordination

The investigation accelerated following directives from Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests K. Pawan Kalyan. According to Nisha Kumari, Deputy Director of the Giddalur Project Tiger Division, the success of the operation relied on a combination of technological surveillance, dog squads, and collaboration with Markapuram district police led by SP V. Harshavadhan Raju.

## What Happens Next

Forest department officials confirmed that the investigation remains active. The seven accused individuals have been produced before the authorities as teams continue to probe potential links to wider poaching networks and finalize the forensic evidentiary chain.

Source: The Hindu — National

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/seven-arrested-nstr-tiger-poaching-giddalur-investigation-4nz6b
Reported from: The Hindu — National