4 Poachers Held For Attempting To Sell Leopard Skin, 17 Claws In Bhadradri Kothagudem

The accused were identified as Challa Anil Kumar of Thallagommuru village in Burgampahad mandal, and Kunja Bhadraiah, Kunja Gangaraju and Madavi Kannaiah, all residents of Gammalakota in Chinturu mandal of Andhra Pradesh.

Police seized the leopard skin and 17 claws from their possession.

Addressing a media conference at the district police office in Kothagudem, superintendent of police B. Rohith Raju said Burgampahad police and the Task Force arrested the four near Anil Kumar's house at Thallagommuru following information about the attempted sale.

During questioning, the accused allegedly told police that they had killed a leopard in a forest area near Gammalakota during the summer last year and removed its skin and claws. According to police, the animal had fallen into a pit allegedly dug by the accused. The skin and claws were later dried and preserved before the accused allegedly attempted to sell them.

Police said Bhadraiah, Gangaraju and Kannaiah brought the leopard skin and claws to Anil Kumar's residence, where he had allegedly agreed to help find buyers. Anil Kumar had reportedly become acquainted with Bhadraiah when he visited Gammalakota to lease agricultural land.

The police are investigating whether Anil Kumar had links with wildlife smugglers.

The latest case has also renewed concerns about possible wildlife trafficking networks in the region. In 2023, forest officials arrested nine persons from Kothagudem, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in a separate case involving the seizure of a leopard skin. Police said the alleged receivers in that case had not been identified.

Investigators are examining whether any organised network is involved in the latest case, given the district’s proximity to forest areas in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Palvancha DSP R. Satish Kumar, special branch inspector K. Srinivas and task force circle inspector P. Ramakanth were present.