Forest Department Initiates Probe After Actress Chhaya Kadam’s Alleged Wildlife Meat Consumption

A day after an FPJ reporter highlighted a letter from the Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a city-based NGO, addressed to the Thane Chief Conservator of Forests and the Divisional Forest Officer—raising concerns over actress Chhaya Kadam’s claim that she had tasted meat from protected wildlife species—the forest department is preparing to launch an inquiry into the matter.

The department has already formed a team to track down the poachers involved and identify those who may have helped the actress obtain the meat.

Rakesh Bhoir, the investigating officer in the case, told FPJ, “We got in touch with Kadam over the phone, where she informed us that she is out of town for a professional trip and will return only after four days. She has informed her of she seeking a legal advice and appearing before us for the investigation.”

Another officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Based on the video interview Kadam gave to a radio channel, we will track down the poachers in the area where the alleged activity took place and ensure that strict action is taken against the culprits.”

Kadam, who appeared in the movie Laapataa Ladies, allegedly admitted in a video interview—uploaded by a radio channel—to consuming meat from protected wildlife species. The interview, posted on YouTube, claims she ate meat from animals such as mouse deer, rabbits, wild boar, monitor lizard, and porcupine.