Eight-member gang arrested for treasure hunt in forests of Asifabad

Eight people, led by habitual offender Rajesh, were arrested for digging in forests of Sirpur (T) mandal, Asifabad, in a treasure hunt. Their unauthorized excavation damaged wildlife habitats and disturbed animal movement, forest officials said.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Eight persons were arrested for allegedly hunting treasure in the forests of Sirpur (T) mandal on Saturday night.

Sirpur (T) Forest Range Officer Praveen Kumar said that Rajesh, a habitual offender from Hirapur village and seven others were taken into custody for digging the earth in search of treasure in the forests. The other accused persons were Rahul, Paul Ravi, Durgam Maruthi, Gongle Kishore, Chaldurkar Sajan, Ramtenki Sunil and Durgam Rajaram belonging to different parts of Sirpur (T) and Koutala mandals.

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On being interrogated, Rajesh confessed to committing the crime to make a fast buck in quick time. He admitted to forming a gang to explore the treasure and to excavating the earth with the help of seven members in the forests. Their unauthorized act destroyed the habitat of wild animals and affected their movement, forest officials said.