Junnar Taluka – A total of 21 individuals suspected of illegal hunting activity in the Junnar forest range have been apprehended by a team from the Junnar Forest Department. A case has been registered against them under the Wildlife Protection Act.
According to confidential information, on Tuesday, May 13, around 20 to 25 individuals were reported to be roaming suspiciously in Forest Block No. 137 in Junnar Taluka with the intent of hunting using hounds. Forest Guard Eknath Bangar from Rajur received this tip and, along with forest guards from Nimgiri and Aptale, conducted a raid at the location. During the operation, several individuals were found attempting to drive out wild animals.
After receiving this information, Junnar Range Forest Officer Pradeep Chavan rushed to the scene with additional personnel. The team seized 21 hounds and 10 two-wheelers that were brought for the hunting activity.
In the raid, a total of 21 individuals were detained: 15 from Surale, 4 from Hadsar, and 1 each from Tejur and Manganewadi (Khamgaon). Among them, Nilesh Kedari, Ramesh Kedari, and Pradeep Kedari from Surale and Kisan Bhale from Hadsar were found to be uncooperative and were providing misleading information during interrogation. As a result, they were arrested and produced before the Magistrate’s Court.
Range Forest Officer Pradeep Chavan argued the case on behalf of the government, following which the court ordered a two-day police custody for the four accused. The remaining 17 accused, having confessed to the crime, were released on bond.
This operation was carried out by a joint team under the guidance of Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute, and with the leadership of Assistant Conservator of Forests Smita Rajhans, Amrut Shinde, and Range Forest Officer Pradeep Chavan.
