Adilabad Police have arrested Shoaib Afzal, a 34-year-old plumber from Panjesha, on suspicion of illegally hunting deer in Maharashtra and attempting to sell the meat and antlers, police said.
Police allege Afzal travelled to the Ghatanji forest area in Maharashtra to hunt deer. He allegedly sold the meat and kept the antlers at his home, reportedly intending to sell them in Hyderabad for a higher price.
The case was registered on August 5, 2025, after police received information about illegal wildlife hunting. During the investigation, officers recovered six deer skulls with antlers and one additional pair of antlers. They also seized a double-barrel gun, knives, a torchlight, clothing, shoes, a bag and three pen drives.
Police said Afzal initially claimed the gun belonged to his grandfather and had been used for hunting in the past. Investigators allege the firearm was used for illegal hunting. Afzal also reportedly told police that people from Hyderabad had accompanied him on hunting trips; their possible involvement is being investigated.
After learning that police were searching for him, Afzal allegedly remained absconding for more than a year and moved between Hyderabad and locations in Maharashtra, including Aurangabad, Arni and Pune. Police arrested him near his residence after he returned to Adilabad. Officers also seized a Suzuki Burgman Street motorcycle, registration number TS-12-ET-4397, and a Samsung Duos mobile phone allegedly used by him.
Adilabad Superintendent of Police Akhil Mahajan, IPS, said illegal hunting and the possession or sale of wildlife parts are serious offences, and that strict legal action would be taken against those involved. Adilabad One Town Police are continuing the investigation to identify others allegedly connected to the case.
