Blue bull: Maneka demands action against Saudi diplomat

New Delhi, Oct 12 (UNI) Former Union Minister and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi today urged Saudi Arabian Ambassador to India Saleh Mohammad Al Ghamdi to take action against a diplomat of his Embassy who was reportedly found in illegal possession of a blue bull or 'nilgai' which is protected under the Wild Life Act.

In a letter to Mr Ghamdi, she said,'' It is apalling that a junior diplomat should break the laws of the country which he is posted in.'' She said she will raise this issue in Parliament. ''But before that happens it is necesary for your embassy to show that it respects the law of the country,'' she added.

Ms Gandhi said the diplomat, Mr Mansour Z Al Otaibi refused to surrender the animal claiming diplomatic immunity, the animal it had to be taken forcibly by wildlife officials, she added.

According to reports, the Nilgai, which is an antelope, and comes under Schedule 3 of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, was rescued from the Shanti Niketan residence of Mr Owaitbi yesterday by an NGO People for Animal(PFA) with the help of wildlife officails.

The punishment for those found in possession of the animal is Rs 25,000 or imprisonment upto three years or both.

UNI NAZ AK ND1836