Leopard Poaching: Nine Suspects Held So Far From Sheopur And Morena

In Madhya Pradesh, nine suspects have been arrested so far in connection with the poaching of ten leopards from Sheopur and Morena. The arrested individuals allegedly lynched the leopards using sticks to target the head. According to State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) sources, each lynching reportedly fetched a price of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.

However, there is no evidence suggesting that the suspects have prior criminal records. The turning point in the investigation was the arrest of Bhagwan Singh alias Salim, a suspended cop from Delhi, on Wednesday, with another suspect, Waseem Akram alias Naseem Ahmad, from New Delhi, held on Thursday. Waseem Akram is reportedly associated with Wildlife SOS.

Following a lead from Uttar Pradesh police, STSF arrested six suspects in Sheopur, who have confessed to the killing of the leopards. Additionally, an accused previously in judicial custody of Uttar Pradesh has been added to the case. The STSF has apprehended nine suspects, but the case remains unsolved. The poaching occurred in a ravine area, suggesting that the suspects targeted leopards when they moved to secluded areas far from human presence.

The timeline of the poaching incidents indicates that ten leopards were killed on July 23, with UP police arresting four suspects along with the skin of the leopards. Further arrests followed post a tip-off, and one more accused is currently in judicial custody of Uttar Pradesh. As part of Independence Day security measures, RPF and GRP are conducting a joint intensive drive at Bhopal's Rani Kamlapati Station.