HYDERABAD: Two persons were arrested for selling meat of endangered animals and birds on Monday.
Calling it a major breakthrough, the Hyderabad police and state forest department confiscated the remains of various endangered animals. They were acting on a tip off received by the Falaknuma police.
The Falaknuma police alerted the state forest department which then apprehended the 32-year-old Syed Jameer. During the raid conducted at his residence, officials found meat, belonging to one black buck, Indian gazelle and dater.
The police also recovered the remains of six black naped hares, six grey partridges and 27 Indian quails.
Upon interrogation, Syed revealed that the source of the banned meat found in his possession was from a supplier at Medak. The information provided led to the arrest of Rajan from Tupran Mandal.
Policemen, posing as potential buyers, approached Rajan for the banned meat. When Rajan brought with him three packets of meat for sale, he was taken into custody. He has been brought to Hyderabad for further interrogation.
“The offences attract jail terms up to 3 years and fines ranging from `10,000 to `25,000,” said Manoranjan Bhanja, additional PCCF wildlife.
Investigation is still going on and we are yet to ascertain the modus operandi. After further questioning of those caught, we will catch the buyers of the meat, he added.
“The remains of two birds are yet to be identified. We have sent meat sample to CCMB for DNA analysis,” said Vinod Kumar, district forest officer. The results will arrive in four days, he added.