Maharashtra minister in trouble for Chinkara poaching

CHINKARA ENDANGERED: Police have recovered skins and bones of Chinkara from the minister's Panchgani guest house.

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Keywords: Dharamrao Baba Atram, Maharashtra

Mumbai: In a case of major embarrassment for the Maharashtra Government, the state Transport Minister is facing the law after skins and bones, believed to be that of an endangered species, Chinkara, were recovered from his Panchgani guest house.

According to eyewitnesses account, the vehicle used for poaching bore the number, which belongs to the Dharamrao Baba Atram. The police have confiscated the minister's vehicle and two rifles from his guesthouse.

However, the minister claims that he has nothing to do with the case as he was lodged in a guest house two kilometers away from the jungle when the incident is said to have taken place.

“I was asked to give my vehicle so I have given my vehicle for forensic tests,” Atram said.

Meanwhile, the police have initiated an enquiry into the case and arrested a security guard and a friend of the minister

“An investigation has been initiated into the case, if anyone is found guilty they will not be spared,” Maharashtra Forest Minister Babanrao Pachpute said.

If found guilty, the minister could be in serious trouble for violating the Wildlife Protection Act.