Two arrested with ₹90 lakh worth banned cotton seeds near Medchal

Two men arrested near Medchal for transporting ₹90 lakh worth of banned cotton seeds; investigation ongoing.

Two persons were arrested after police intercepted a vehicle transporting banned BG-III cotton seeds worth ₹90 lakh near Medchal on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The accused were identified as Talari Ramesh, a driver, and Chevula Narsimulu, the vehicle owner, both residents of Kosgi Mandal in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Police said the consignment was being transported from Kurnool to Nagpur, with the receiver’s details to be shared only upon arrival.

Acting on a tip-off, Medchal police along with the Special Operations Team (SOT) of Quthbullapur intercepted a carriage vehicle near the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Upon inspection, officials uncovered 3,000 kilograms of prohibited BG-III cotton seeds concealed beneath cabbage bags in an attempt to evade detection.

Investigations revealed that the main supplier, identified as Maguluri Samba Shivarao, had arranged the transport by hiring the vehicle for ₹30,000. He is currently absconding. Officials also noted that Shivarao and Narsimulu have been previously involved in a similar case registered in 2025 in Suryapet district.

The seized property includes banned cotton seeds valued at ₹90 lakh and the vehicle worth ₹8 lakh, taking the total seizure to ₹98 lakh.

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Essential Commodities Act, Seeds Act, and Environment Protection Act. The arrested individuals and seized property have been produced before the court, and further investigation is underway to trace the absconding accused.