Four hunters held while roaming in Amrabad Tiger Reserve
Four individuals booked for illegal entry and suspected poaching in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve after camera traps captured them carrying weapons.
Nallamala Forest (Nagar kurnool): Four individuals were booked by the Forest department after camera traps installed in the Allangattu forest area of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve captured images of them moving through the forest carrying weapons.
The incident came to light during the All India Tiger Estimation–2026 exercise being conducted across the country.
Forest officials examined photographs recorded on May 18 and launched a detailed investigation. Analysis of nearly 30 camera-trap images helped identify the suspects as Mudavath Balu, Dharangula Narasimha, Sariya and Pastor John Paul, belonging to Chaturbhavi thanda, Chandapur and Lingotam villages.
The individuals were allegedly seen carrying a country-made firearm, ammunition, an axe and other equipment while moving through the forest.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused may have entered the reserve with the intention of hunting.
Based on the evidence collected, cases have been registered against them under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Forest officials stated that further details would emerge after the completion of the investigation.
The Amrabad Tiger Reserve is one of India’s important wildlife habitats, supporting tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer and several other species.
Officials emphasised that unauthorised entry into protected forests, carrying weapons and engaging in hunting activities are serious offences and will attract strict legal action. The Forest Department has strengthened surveillance in the reserve through an expanded network of camera traps and drone monitoring.
