Evidence point to Salman in chinkara poaching case: Conservator

Bhuj, Jun 26 (UNI) Kutch's Conservator of Forest R L Meena today said there was a ''definite case'' against filmstar Salman Khan for poaching chinkaras near Banni in Kutch district, during a film shoot eight years back.

He said there were lacunae in the inquiry conducted by the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Gajjar. ''There are several aspects which point to Salman's involvement in the case but had been overlooked by the investigators,'' he told UNI.

Mr Meena said he has reported the matter to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Vadodara earlier this month.

The case of illegal poaching of two chinkaras, a protected species of deer family, had been closed for ''want of evidence.'' Investigation in the case has been reopened after the Gir Nature Youth Club, a voluntary organisation dedicated to wildlife protection and environment, complained to the Chief Minister. The matter is being probed by the CID-Crime Branch, Bhuj.

This spells more trouble for the actor who has already been convicted by a Jodhpur court in a black killing case.

Meanwhile, the Club president, Amit Jethwa, said he will be filing a complaint or an FIR against the actor under Section 154 of IPC as it is a cognisable offence. He has sought the help of Mr Mahendrasinh Kachhawa, who was the special prosecutor in the black buck cases against the actor in Jodhpur.

Salman had allegedly hunted the chinkaras near Sumrasar village, near Banni area of Kutch when he was here for the shooting of film 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' in 1998.

UNI MMG GK VD HT1550