Shepherd Hit by Pellets in Suspected Poaching Attempt
Forest department officials and police visited the area after receiving information and conducted an inspection
TIRUPATI: A 75-year-old shepherd sustained injuries after he was hit by pellets allegedly fired by suspected poachers in a forest area near Nemalichenu of Ramakuppam mandal in Chittoor district on Friday.
The injured shepherd, Rajamanikyam, had taken his sheep for grazing when the incident occurred. According to sources, a group of unidentified persons entered the forest area allegedly for hunting and fired towards bushes after noticing some movement, assuming it was a wild animal.
The pellets hit Rajamanikyam on his shoulder and both arms, leaving him injured. Farmers working nearby rushed to the spot and shifted him to a local government hospital. Doctors said his condition was stable and he was out of danger.
Forest department officials and police visited the area after receiving information and conducted an inspection. Officials suspect that the incident was linked to illegal hunting. Efforts are on to identify those involved, and further investigation is underway, police said.
