According to officials, Sabah’s interrogation revealed that he managed a supply chain of blackbuck, deer, and sambar meat through WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Investigators are attempting to recover deleted chat data linking him to buyers and other members of the poaching syndicate. Sources said Sabah also admitted to receiving assistance from forest personnel who provided information on animal movements.
The case dates back to December 3, 2024, when police intercepted a luxury car near Kishanganj police station, Mhow, and seized 65 kg of wild animal meat. Three Mumbai-based men — Johar Hussain, Salman, and Imtiaz — were arrested. Their interrogation led to the discovery of photos and videos of hunting in Satpura Tiger Reserve and Kanha National Park.
Investigators later found that the group had procured imported Swedish hunting rifles worth ₹50 lakh, one of which was buried near a Bhopal farmhouse and recovered during searches. The accused told the police that a national-level shooter, identified as Aamir, had trained them to operate the weapon.
The STSF suspects involvement of some forest officials in leaking information about wildlife activity. Officials confirmed that Sabah’s arrest marks a key breakthrough in the case, which has widened to include illegal arms procurement and possible cross-border meat trade.
The Tiger Strike Force has filed an application to re-interrogate two of the earlier accused, Imtiaz and Salman, as the investigation into the poaching network continue.
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