Actress Chhaya Kadam skips forest department inquiry

Chhaya Kadam allegedly claimed to have eaten exotic wildlife during a recent interview. File Pic/Ashish Raje

Actress Chhaya Kadam who allegedly admitted to consuming protected wildlife species in a recent interview with a media outlet was summoned by the Thane Forest Department for an inquiry on Monday. Sources from the forest department, however, told mid-day that Kadam did not appear citing she had a very busy schedule. The forest department is deciding on the next course of action. Kadam has starred in several movies, including Bollywood movies ‘Laapataa Ladies' and ‘Madgaon Express', and the Marathi movie ‘Sairat'.

An official from Thane Forest Department (Territorial) said, "Kadam, in a media interview, had claimed to have eaten meat of protected wild animals such as the mouse deer, wild boar, monitor lizard, and porcupine. We served her a notice and summoned her for an inquiry on Monday, for which she didn't appear. Instead, she informed us that she was busy with some prior commitments and should be given a date next month. We are discussing the issue with senior officials to decide on the next course of action."

The Mumbai Range of Thane Forest Department had sent a notice to Kadam and summoned her to appear for an inquiry at the Mumbai Forest Department office at 11.30 am on Monday. Several wildlife enthusiasts and organisations, including Honorary Wildlife Warden of Satara Rohan Bhate, 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 against Kadam, stating that this may involve a larger racket.

Mumbai Honorary Wildlife Warden Pawan Sharma said, "Violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is a serious crime. Hunting and poaching are non-bailable offences which will lead to both imprisonment and a fine.

As seen in the video, Kadam also mentions consumption of species listed in Schedule 1 which attracts imprisonment up to seven years and a fine up to R1 lakh. It is very shameful when public figures get involved in such illegal activities and blatantly promote hunting, poaching and consumption of wild meat on social media. They must not forget times are changing and they will face the consequences of their actions. Influential reel life people sometimes forget that in the real world, everyone is equal before law and we have strong laws to protect wildlife."

Meanwhile, Honorary Wildlife Warden Sunish Kunju, said, "The statements made by Kadam in the interview, wherein she claims to have eaten meat of wild animals, are not just shocking but of a very serious nature. Without wasting any time, the forest department should take action against her and investigate the case for more details."

Speaking with mid-day, Chhaya Kadam said, "I have been contacted by the forest department regarding this matter. Due to a pre-scheduled commitment, I was unable to be present there. I have sent them an email requesting a new date. Something has been misinterpreted from that interview, which has led to a misunderstanding. I will fully cooperate with the inquiry committee and will be presenting my side soon."