The locals residing near Kaziranga National Park lodged an FIR against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and self-styled godman Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev over violations of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Reportedly, the residents alleged that the leaders drove a safari vehicle (jeep) inside the park and Tiger Reserve after the inauguration of a rhino memorial two hours behind the 3.30 pm schedule on Saturday.
Soneswar Narah of Morongial Gaon and Pradeep Pegu of Balijan Adarsha Mishing Gaon also named the state Tourism Minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah, in their complaint filed at the Golaghat's Bokakhat Police Station.
The FIR states, "We demand legal action against the Chief Minister and the others who violated rules in going on a nocturnal jungle safari. They should also issue a public apology for setting a precedent that could threaten the traditional security policy of the national park. Law is equal for all and therefore we request the police to take action against all people involved in this act or either apologise for the same. Hope we get justice."
After receiving massive backlash, CM Sarma issuing his first response, stated that no law has been violated and people can enter the park at any time with the warden's permission. He said, "There's no law that people can't go at night. People can enter the park even at 2 am if wildlife the Wardens allow. Only whatever permission was given by the wildlife protection has been done."
Further speaking about the Kaziranga Chintan Shivir, the BJP leader added, "The opening has been done by the pious hands of Sadhguru. Even Sri Sri Ravishankar was a part of the program. The initiative will also help boost tourism".
Taking to Twitter, the CM also informed people about the inauguration of the park and conveyed the message to Save Rhinos. He said, "His blessings are special. His teachings, extraordinary. Revered @SadhguruJV, in whose presence Kaziranga National Park opened today for tourists, has a special message to save precious Rhinos. And indeed, he enjoyed the Jeep Safari."
