Cong demands CBI inquiry into lion poaching in Gir Sanctuary

Ahmedabad, Apr 2 (UNI) Expressing concern over the series of Asiatic lions' poaching in the Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat Congress today demanded a CBI inquiry and Central Government's intervention into the entire episode.

Congress Leader of Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly Arjun Modhwadia told UNI that he had demanded an investigation by the CBI into the poaching of lions because as many as six lions were killed by professional poachers in less than a month's time. Sixteen lions have died in last three months.

However, the Gujarat government has rejected the suggestions of a CBI inquiry as it had already called for a CID probe.

''I had called Union Minister of State for Forest Namonarayan Meena and informed that the Centre should conduct a CBI inquiry into series of lion poaching and a high-power Central Team should be sent soon to survey the natural habitat in the Gir Forest,'' Mr Modhwadia said.

He said he had also demanded that the Centre issue a directive to the ruling BJP government, led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, to curb the illegal poaching of wild animals and protection of natural environment.

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