Illegal sale of deer meat busted in Attapur; one held with 15 kg venison

Hyderabad: The Rajendranagar Special Operations Team (SOT) busted an illegal deer meat trade during a raid in Attapur, arresting a man who was allegedly selling venison in violation of wildlife laws.

15 kg of deer meat, cash seized

The accused, Mohammad Irfanuddin, a resident of Suleman Nagar, was caught red-handed while illegally selling deer meat. The police seized 15 kg of venison along with Rs 3,000 from his possession.

Poaching angle under probe

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had allegedly hunted a deer in a forest area, transported the meat to the city and was selling it in Suleman Nagar.

The investigation also revealed that the meat was brought from Pebberu in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh to the city and was being sold at Rs 800 per kg. Police are probing the source of poaching and possible links to a larger illegal wildlife trade network.

Case registered under wildlife law

Based on the SOT’s credible intelligence, Attapur police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Further investigation is underway to identify other individuals involved in the offence.

Police reiterated that wildlife crimes will be dealt with sternly and warned of strict action against those engaged in poaching and illegal meat sales.