Seven Arrested for Hunting Deer, Firing at Police in Bikaner

• Mar 5, 2025

In a major operation, Bikaner police in Rajasthan have arrested seven individuals, including four from Muktsar district, Punjab, for allegedly hunting a deer, opening fire on a police team, and assaulting locals on Saturday. The accused now face four criminal cases, registered at Bajju, Ranjeetpura, and Hadan police stations, while the Forest Department has lodged a separate case for wildlife poaching.

Weapons and Arrest Details

According to police officials, a cache of firearms and ammunition was seized from the accused, including:

• One 12-bore double-barrel gun
• One .22 rifle
• One pistol
• 189 live cartridges
• One empty shell

The suspects, who had arrived in two vehicles, were captured with the help of locals after a 50-km chase. A video of the dramatic pursuit, showing police officers and villagers chasing and restraining the accused, has gone viral on social media.

Identities of the Accused

The arrested individuals have been identified as:

• Snehbeer Singh, resident of Ramnagar village near Malout and a close relative of a former SAD MLA from Kotkapura
• Harjit Singh of Killianwali village
• Sahil Kataria of Malout
• Sukhwant Singh of Malout
• Sukhjeet Singh of Gharsana, Rajasthan
• Gurkirat Singh of Gharsana, Rajasthan
• A minor accomplice (identity withheld)

Official Statements and Investigation

Speaking over the phone, Kailash Singh, Additional SP (Rural), Bikaner, stated:

“The accused seem to be influenced by songs that promote gun culture and drugs. They appear to be from well-off families. We are investigating any possible links to criminal gangs because ordinary individuals wouldn’t engage in such reckless actions. Not only did they hunt a deer, but they also fired at a sub-inspector and evaded a roadblock set up with an earth-moving machine.”

He further confirmed that the accused are currently in police custody, and authorities will seek an extension of their remand from the court.

Public Outrage and Protests

According to sources, locals gathered at the site immediately after the suspects fired at the deer. Though the accused managed to escape in their jeep, they were eventually captured after the high-speed chase. The incident has sparked violent protests outside Bajju police station, with locals shutting down their businesses and demanding strict action against the poachers.