MP poachers target deer, chinkara:Meat sold for ₹5,000–₹7,000, accused claims on Bhaskar camera to supply and deliver orders anywhere

“I can bring the whole animal—deer, chinkara, whatever you want. Just inform me two days in advance,” said a man named Zubair, with a smiling face, who revealed his role in an organised network involved in illegal hunting and supply of wildlife meat. He added that such arrangements are often made over WhatsApp calls, and in-person meetings are rarely required. Zubair is part of a chain that connects poachers operating in forests around Bhopal to high-end “meat parties” in and beyond the city. A month-long investigation by Dainik Bhaskar revealed a well-structured network involving code words, middlemen, and farmhouse gatherings where illegal meat is served. Despite the scale of operations, authorities appear largely unaware. The presence of tigers near city boundaries and the availability of prey species have inadvertently fueled this illegal activity. Why Bhaskar started this investigation The probe began after a December 2025 incident when the Forest Department’s Special Task Force arrested poachers in Rahatgarh (Sagar district) for hunting blackbucks. Investigations revealed the gang was supplying meat from Bhopal to Mumbai for exclusive parties. The name of Dr. Wasim Khan surfaced as a key link in the chain from hunting to supply. This prompted a deeper investigation into the network. How the network was exposed Reporters posed as employees of an industrialist seeking “special meat” for a party. They approached roadside eateries in areas like Gandhi Nagar, Raisen, and Sehore Road, initially ordering mutton before hinting at “exclusive” meat. Later, word was spread in the old city about a Mumbai-based party willing to pay any price for four-legged animal meat. The lure of high profits led one contact to agree to arrange the supply. Contact with poachers: Mixed responses Out of four poachers contacted: One of them, a “cutter,” plays a critical role in the operation. Inside the supply chain: Role of the ‘cutter’ During a late-night meeting, a cutter revealed: He said, “You’ll get the entire animal. Our people even cook it at farmhouses.” The meat is typically transported via motorcycles, and orders must be placed at least two days in advance. He assured that “there will be no problem—we handle everything.” Pricing and Availability A supplier admitted that deer hunting is banned but said it is still available “with difficulty.” Impact on ecosystem: Experts warn Former Deputy Conservator of Forests R.K. Dixit stresses that every species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. He explained that the ecosystem is like a wall—removing one brick weakens the entire structure. The hunting of smaller animals directly impacts predators like tigers, which depend on them for food. He also stressed minimizing human interference in forests to protect both flora and fauna.