Six held over alleged blackbuck hunting in Bidar forests

What Happened

The Bidar Forest Department, aided by police from Bidar and Kalaburagi and with assistance from Telangana authorities, arrested six men in connection with the alleged hunting of a blackbuck at the Chondi-Mamadapur grassland near the Honnikeri Reserved Forest area in Karnataka’s Bidar district. The incident reportedly occurred on August 17, with three suspects apprehended by local residents and handed over to authorities, while a special search team tracked down the remaining three on August 18. Officials said two four-wheelers and a rifle were seized during the operation. The six accused include three residents of Hyderabad and three local residents from Kalaburagi district’s Chincholi taluk; they were produced before a court for further action. The blackbuck is described as a Schedule-I protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making hunting a serious offense.

Why It Matters

Wildlife protection remains a legal priority in India, with the Wildlife (Protection) Act prescribing stringent action for hunting protected species. Authorities described the incident as a coordinated operation involving multiple districts and state authorities, underscoring ongoing enforcement challenges in border areas where offenders may travel from neighboring regions.

Background

The target of the alleged offence, the blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), is listed as a protected species under Indian law. Prior reporting indicates the grassland in question is a known habitat, and that residents in nearby tandas were involved in first identifying and detaining some suspects before handing them to authorities. The case continues as investigators collect further details to determine the full scope of involvement and any additional offenders.

Key Facts

• Six individuals arrested in Bidar district in connection with alleged blackbuck hunting.
• Three suspects from Hyderabad; three from Kalaburagi district’s Chincholi taluk.
• Incident location: Chondi-Mamadapur grassland near Honnikeri Reserved Forest, Bidar district, Karnataka.
• Arrests followed a two-stage operation: three captured by locals, three traced by a special forest team on August 18.
• Two four-wheelers and a rifle seized in the course of the operation.
• Blackbuck is a Schedule-I protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; hunting is a prosecutable offense.
• The six were produced before a court for further legal action; investigation ongoing.

What Happens Next

Authorities indicated that further investigation is underway to establish full circumstances and identify any other persons involved. A wildlife offence case has been registered, and the targets may face additional legal proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.