Two jaw traps seized in Karimnagar district on Thursday.
In a baiting operation that has raised alarm bells over rampant poaching in the northern region of the state, the Telangana forest department has seized a large number of poaching equipment, including jaw traps, which are used to catch apex predators such as tigers and leopards.
While no statement was issued by the ministry, it was learned that two persons possessing these devices were arrested despite opposition from villagers with the support of the central minister.
Jaw traps result in a painful death for wildlife after their paws become trapped in the device. The animal’s struggle to free itself from the trap often results in the metal jaws digging deeper into the flesh, immobilizing the animal. While death is certain in the hands of a poacher, the animal would otherwise die of starvation and dehydration.
A file photo of a leopard caught in a jaw trap at Adoni in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
The manufacture and sale of jaw traps indicate a high risk to tigers moving in forest and non-forest areas, especially in the northern regions of Telangana.
One tiger that entered the state from Maharashtra is now said to be roaming in Peddapalli district, while Kamareddy district has also witnessed nomadic feline visitors from time to time. Besides, several tigers have gone missing from the Kawal Tiger Reserve spread across Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal and Adilabad districts in the last few years, adding importance to the case.
File image of a tiger caught in a jaw trap in Chandragiri district of Maharashtra. | Photo credit: negotiable
According to sources, forest officials of Peddapalli district initially identified a person named Narsimhulu from Dharmaram village, who they learned was making and selling jaw traps to several people involved in poaching. Mobile phone tracking helped locate the person in Karimnagar on April 1 and based on this lead, a special team traced the accused to Rekurthy village in Kothapalli mandal, based on the location of the mobile tower and enquiries.
As part of the bait, a forest worker allegedly approached the accused and searched for jaw traps. After confirming its availability, forest officials from Karimnagar and Mancherial, supported by the police, raided the compound on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and seized more than 10 jaw traps among several other types of trapping devices, which are illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Two persons, including Narsimhul, were arrested and their mobile phones were seized, allegedly revealing several video clips related to wildlife poaching.
Sources informed that a large number of villagers gathered outside the police station and with political support demanded the release of the accused. However, officials from Kothapalli police station denied the protestors’ demand and said that the accused were taken away by forest officials without registering any complaint at the police station. Forest officials from Karimnagar did not respond to calls.
Published – 03 Apr 2026 20:52 IST
