Shiv Sena leaders demand CBI inquiry into Chinkara deer hunting

Pune, Jun 24 (UNI) Shiv Sena leaders Babanrao Jadhav and Hujoor Inamdar today demanded a CBI inquiry into the killing of two Chinkara deer, an endangered species, in Bhor and Baramati talukas of the district recently allegedly by Maharashtra Transport Minister Dhrmarao Baba Atram and his friends.

They also demanded the resignation of State Forest Minister Babanrao Pachpute for shielding them.

In a statement here, the Shiv Sena leaders alleged that the State Forest Minister had acted ''irresponsibly'' in giving a clean chit to the State Transport Minister, who was allegedly present in the hunting party.

''Even before the enquiry into the incident, how could the Forest Minister has given a clean chit to Mr Atram?'' the Sena leaders asked and therefore demanded a CBI enquiry into the matter. They felt that the state investigating officials would come under pressure, even as Mr Pachpute had assured yesterday that action would be taken against those involved in the incident.

Reports stated that villagers had seen Mr Atram and his friends in a red beacon car hunting the Chinkaras. The forest officials had seized a Belgium-made 12 DBBL gun and two live cartridges from the house of Mr Atram's friend in Panchgani, who was allegedly present during the hunting.

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