DRI busts illegal poaching racket run by retired Colonel in Meerut

A huge racket of poaching, illegal wildlife hunting and arms smuggling was busted in Uttar Pradesh. Police suspect the involvement of a national-level shooter, retired colonel, foreigner in the case.

Meerut, April 30: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Wild Life department jointly with Uttar Pradesh police have busted a huge racket of poaching and arms smuggling run by an ex-armyman in Meerut.

As per the reports, DRI officials conducted the raids at Civil Lines residence of Colonel retd, Devindra Kumar on Saturday afternoon and seized 117kg ilgai meat, animal remains, 40 guns during the 17-hour-long raid. Four persons have been arrested in this connection.

The Colonel is said to own a college in Bareily. His son, Prashant Bishnoi, who is a national level shooter has also come under the scanner.

A huge amount of Rs 1 crore was recovered from the Colonel's residence. The seized samples have been sent to wild life institute of Dehradun for forensic examination.

The police suspect involvement of a foreign national in this huge racket. Investigation is underway.

PTI