Sat Jan 11 14:21:47 UTC 2025: ## Forest Officials Bust Wild Animal Poaching Gang Near Ramanagara
**Bengaluru, January 11, 2025** – A forest mobile squad apprehended a four-member poaching gang near Ramanagara on Friday, seizing two wild boars and two deer from their SUV. Acting on a tip-off, officials pursued the suspects after observing suspicious activity. The ensuing chase ended near Chikkakuntanahalli, resulting in the arrest of Srinivasa (46), Hanumantharaju (44), Muniraju (38), and an unnamed accomplice.
Recovered from the vehicle were two guns (including an air gun), a machete, and knives. The accused confessed to hunting over 20 wild animals in the past year, claiming the meat was for personal consumption and distribution to friends and family. However, officials suspect commercial involvement given the scale of the operation.
The suspects have been charged under the Forest Act and remanded into judicial custody. Authorities are investigating the gang’s past activities and are pursuing the cancellation of any licensed weapons involved.
First Piper 