Mumbai-based NGO, Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), has written a letter to the Chief Conservator of Forests (Thane) and the Divisional Forest Officer (Thane), raising concerns over an interview given by Laapataa Ladies actress Chhaya Kadam. In the interview, Kadam allegedly admitted to consuming meat from protected wildlife species. The NGO has urged forest authorities to initiate legal action against the actress and others involved in the alleged poaching and consumption of wildlife for meat.
The development was confirmed by Roshan Rathod, Divisional Forest Officer (Vigilance), who stated, “We have received the complaint. It has been forwarded by the Chief Conservator of Forests to the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) for inquiry. The actress will be called in for investigation soon.”
In the complaint, PAWS stated, “Our team came across an interview of actress Chhaya Kadam where she claimed to have eaten meat of protected wildlife species such as mouse deer, rabbits, wild boar, monitor lizard, and porcupine in a radio interview posted on YouTube. This sends a wrong message to the public and constitutes an offence under various sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. We also request that relevant sections of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 be applied. The interview should be considered as an admission of guilt. We urge you to investigate and take legal action against her and others involved in this criminal activity of wildlife poaching for meat.”
Sunish Subramanian Kunju, Honorary Wildlife Warden and founder of the International Organization for Animal Protection (OIPA), AMMA Care Foundation (ACF), and PAWS-Mumbai, who submitted the letter, said, “It is shocking to see a public figure openly admit to consuming meat from protected wildlife species. On one hand, we are working hard to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, and on the other hand, some individuals are openly breaking the law. The forest department must investigate where she obtained this meat and take legal action against all those involved in the poaching.”
FPJ tried to reach out to the Actress on her official Instagram handle, seeking for response, but there was no response from the team.
