Date:07/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/07/stories/2008070759631100.htm

National

Chinkara’s burnt hair seized from Minister’s farmhouse

Pune: Forest officials on Sunday seized burnt hair of Chinkara and some animal bones from a farmhouse of Maharashtra Minister Dharmarao Atram in the Mahabaleshwar hill station region. The search was part of an investigation to book those responsible for the hunting of a Chinkara in the Bhor forest area on June 14 night, sources in the Forest Department said.

Villagers had reported sighting Mr. Atram’s car with red beacon, leading to suspicion over his involvement .

Mr. Atram of the NCP is the Minister of State for Adivasi Welfare and Transport in the ruling coalition government.

Forest officials have filed a case under the Wildlife Protection Act and arrested two persons.

The Minister’s car has been seized and searched, according to the sources. Forests Minister Baban Pachpute, who also belongs to the NCP, has asked officials to conduct an impartial probe. — PTI