Asifabad Treasure Hunt: Eight-Member Gang Arrested, Forest Habitat Damaged
- Forest officials detain suspects for illegal excavation in Sirpur (T) in Asifabad
- Gang’s search disturbs wildlife habitat and movement
An eight-member gang was apprehended on Saturday night for illegally searching for treasure in the forests of Sirpur (T) mandal, located in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district. Forest authorities moved swiftly to arrest the suspects, highlighting the impact of such unauthorized activities on the region’s wildlife and environmental balance.
Sirpur (T) Forest Range Officer Praveen Kumar confirmed that Rajesh, a known habitual offender from Hirapur village, was among those taken into custody.
Alongside Rajesh, police identified the other accused as Rahul, Paul Ravi, Durgam Maruthi, Gongle Kishore, Chaldurkar Sajan, Ramtenki Sunil, and Durgam Rajaram. These individuals belong to different areas of Sirpur (T) and Koutala mandals, indicating that the unlawful operation spanned multiple localities.
During initial interrogation, Rajesh admitted to orchestrating the treasure hunt. He confessed that his motive was to earn quick money by locating hidden troves beneath the forest earth.
By assembling a gang of seven other men, he initiated unauthorized excavations in the region’s forests, seeking valuables that could be sold for profit. Forest officials stated that such activities not only break the law but also cause considerable harm to the environment.
The act of digging the earth for treasure has destroyed habitats vital to wild animals, forest officials explained. It has disrupted their natural movement and could result in longer-term ecological damage if left unchecked.
Authorities have raised concerns about the increasing instances of illegal searches and the impact they have on local flora and fauna. By preventing further destruction and deterring future offenders, the arrest signals the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding forest reserves.
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