A 58-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh was arrested for allegedly transporting and attempting to sell 100 kg of banned BT-3 cotton seeds near Shamirpet on Saturday evening.
The accused has been identified as 58-year-old Dasari Srinivasa Rao, a resident of Chebrolu village in Guntur district.
He was nabbed by the SOT Cantonment team along with Agriculture Department officials and Shamirpet Police near Exit Number 7 Outer Ring Road based on specific information.
Police said the accused was carrying two bags containing banned BT-3 (BG-III HP variety) cotton seeds. On inspection, each bag was found to contain 50 kg, making the total seizure 100 kg.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly told investigators that he along with his accomplice procured seeds from a supplier in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh at a low price and planned to sell them to farmers and fertilizer shop owners in and around Hyderabad for higher profit.
Police said two other people connected to the case are absconding. Investigators said the accused was earlier booked in a similar case registered at Yalal police station in Vikarabad district last year.
Officials warned that the use of banned cotton seed varieties could lead to crop failures, soil degradation and significant financial losses for farmers.
A case has been registered at the Shamirpet police station under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, the Environment Protection Act, the Seeds Act and the Seed Control Ordinance.
Police said further investigation is on to trace the absconding accused and identify the distribution network.
Published – 11 May 2026 18:50 IST
