Pune: 21 Arrested for Illegal Hunting in Hadsar Forest in Junnar
Junnar, 14th May 2025: On 13th May, Forest Officials in Junnar conducted a major raid after receiving confidential information about a large group of unknown individuals suspected of hunting wild animals. Acting swiftly, the Junnar Forest Staff apprehended 21 people from various villages, including 15 from Sural, 4 from Hadsar, and one each from Tejur and Manganewadi (Khamgaon). All were charged under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
During the operation, forest guards discovered the suspects using traps and driving wild animals towards them. A total of 21 traps and 10 two-wheelers used for transportation were seized at the scene. Upon interrogation, the accused confessed to their involvement in the poaching attempt. However, four accused-Nilesh Machhindra Kedari, Ramesh Dnyaneshwar Kedari, Pradeep Kisan Kedari (all from Sural), and Kisan Keshav Bhale from Hadsar-were found to be uncooperative and provided misleading information during the investigation. These four were arrested on the evening of 13th May and produced before the First Class Magistrate in Junnar, who remanded them to two days of police custody.
The remaining 17 accused, having confessed, were released on bond. Junnar Range Forest Officer Pradeep Chavan stated, “Driving wild animals from their habitat, setting traps, or hunting them is a violation of Section 9 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 25,000. This is a non-bailable and cognizable offense. Strict action will be taken against those involved in wildlife poaching.”
The operation was successfully executed under the guidance of Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute, with support from Assistant Conservators Smita Rajhans and Amrit Shinde, and the joint team of Junnar forest division.
