Based on credible intelligence, the Pune Forest Department conducted a surprise raid on Tuesday at Sing Bungalow in Tikona village, Maval Taluka.
During the operation, Sukhmit Harmit Singh Bhutaliya (26, a resident of Tikona) was arrested. Authorities seized approximately 52 kilograms of suspected wild animal meat, two firearms, live and used cartridges, and various tools and equipment used for hunting and skinning from his possession.
A forest offence has been registered under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the accused will be presented before the court following due legal procedure.
The entire operation was conducted with utmost confidentiality and precision. A sample of the seized meat has been sent to the Wildlife Research Centre, Gorewada, Nagpur, for forensic examination and species identification. The firearms and cartridges will be further investigated in coordination with police authorities to verify legal ownership and licenses.
Tushar Chavan, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune Division, said, "We appeal to the public to report any suspicious activity related to illegal hunting or wildlife trade to the nearest forest office or helpline. Protecting wildlife and forests is a shared responsibility."
This operation was executed under the guidance of Tushar Chavan (Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune) and led by Mangesh Tate (Assistant Conservator of Forests). The core field team included Prakash Shinde (Range Forest Officer, Vadgaon), Seema Palodkar (Forester, Devle), Ganesh Mhetre (Forester, Khandala), Sandeep Arun (Forest Guard, Chavsar), and Shelke (Forest Guard, Devle).
