Retired ranger arrested in Guna poaching probe

Bhopal: A widening probe into suspected wildlife poaching in Guna has now snared Niyamat Hashmi, a retired forest ranger. He was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Special Tiger Strike Force, even as the focus of the investigation now shifts to alleged hawala transactions linked to an organised bushmeat network operating out of Bhopal.Hashmi, who retired in 2023, was picked up with the help of Guna Forest officials after his name surfaced during the interrogation of five alleged poachers arrested recently in the Binaganj forest range with Nilgai meat, a rifle and ammunition.Officials said he was handed over to the Guna forest department and was being questioned to determine his exact role in the alleged poaching network.The investigators, according to sources, suspect that the former ranger may have provided inside information or logistical support to the group, including possible inputs on forest movement and patrol patterns. His alleged links have added a serious dimension to the case, even pointing to possible insider involvement.The probe began after a Nilgai hunting case was registered on April 3 in the Binaganj range. Acting on a tip-off on April 30, around 2.30 am, a team led by forest range officer Saurabh Dwivedi intercepted a vehicle near Chopna village and recovered a rifle with a telescopic sight, live cartridges, sharp weapons and a large quantity of wild animal meat, including those of deer and Nilgai.The arrested accused, Moin Ali, Tanveer, Farhat Khan, Mohsin and Sagar Singh, all from Bhopal, were remanded in custody for four days, during which they disclosed details of a structured network engaged in hunting and selling bushmeat.Guna DFO Akshay Rathore said the investigation has revealed a well-organised operation with defined roles. “Orders were placed in advance and separate hunting teams were deployed. Each team had a shooter, driver, butcher and a local guide,” he said.Officials said the financial trail is now a key focus area, as payments were allegedly routed through a mix of cash, online transfers and hawala channels, especially for buyers outside the state.Investigators are said to be examining money flows, digital transactions and possible hawala links to identify the wider network of suppliers and buyers.Following further leads, raids were conducted at multiple locations in Bhopal and additional suspects were detained. All the accused have been sent to jail, while agencies continue to probe the supply chain and financial backbone of the illegal bushmeat trade.Officials said more arrests are likely as the investigation expands.