Kutch CID assigns Zala to probe Salman's 8-year-old poaching case

Ahmedabad, June 22 (UNI) Even as Gujarat Government handed over film star Salman Khan's eight-year-old hunting case to CID Crime Branch, Kutch Police Inspector B B Zala began investigation today.

Salman Khan, in a group, had allegedly killed two Chinkara deers near Sumrasar and Bhirandiyala villages in the Banni Grassland area on September 4, 1998 during the shooting of the film 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam; in Kutch district from September 1 to 10.

Killing of Chinkaras, protected animals under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, constitutes a cognizable offence.

State Forest Department did carry out preliminary investigation into the case, but closed it for want of evidence.

The case was reopened following intervention by Chief Minister Narendra Modi on the request of Gir Nature Youth Club, claimed its president Amit B Jethwa.

Salman Khan's recent conviction in similar poaching cases during the shooting of film 'Hum Saath Saath Hein' in Rajasthan prompted the Gujarat-based environmentalist organisation to rake up the issue.

Mr Jethwa thanked the Gujarat Government for re-opening the case.

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