‘Laapataa Ladies’ actor Chhaya Kadam summoned over claims of eating protected wildlife animals

In an interview to a media outlet recently, the actor Chhaya Kadam (above) had allegedly admitted to having eaten protected wild animals such as mouse deer, wild boar, monitor lizard, and porcupine. Pic/Instagram

The Mumbai Range of the Thane Forest Department in Maharashtra has issued a notice to ‘Laapataa Ladies' actor Chhaya Kadam following her claims of eating protected wildlife animals, the officials said.

In an interview to a media outlet recently, the actor had allegedly admitted to having eaten protected wild animals such as mouse deer, wild boar, monitor lizard, and porcupine.

IN PHOTOS: Flamingos at Mogara Nullah in Mumbai`s Andheri

1 day agoPHOTO GALLERY

An official from the Mumbai Range office of the Thane Forest Department said, "We have sent a notice to actress Chhaya Kadam and have summoned her to appear for an inquiry at the Mumbai Forest Department office on Monday at 11:30 am."

Wildlife lover and Honorary Wildlife Warden of Satara, Rohan Bhate, said, "Since these animals are protected wildlife species, this is a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. We hope the Forest Department conducts a proper inquiry into the claims made by actress Chhaya Kadam in her interview."

Several wildlife enthusiasts and organisations, including Honorary Wildlife Wardens of Mumbai Sunish Kunju and Pawan Sharma, and Dr. Santosh Patil from Sambhajinagar, along with many other nature conservation groups, have demanded a legal investigation and strict action, stating that this may involve a larger racket.