Chhaya Kadam Investigated for Eating Protected Wildlife Meat

Chhaya Kadam, an actress known for her role in “All We Imagine As Light,” is in trouble with the forest department after a group called Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) accused her of eating meat from protected animals.

According to Free Press Journal, the forest department will investigate her soon. Roshan Rathod, a Divisional Forest Officer, confirmed that they have received the complaint and have passed it to the Chief Conservator of Forests for further investigation.

The officer in charge, Rakesh Bhoir, said they spoke with Chhaya over the phone. She mentioned she is currently away on a work trip and plans to return in four days. She is seeking legal advice but promises to cooperate in the investigation.

So, what exactly happened? Chhaya reportedly admitted in a radio interview that she ate meat from animals like mouse deer, rabbits, wild boar, monitor lizard, and porcupine. This raised concern because these animals are protected by law. PAWS said her comments could mislead the public and asked for legal action against her under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Sunish Subramanian Kunju, a wildlife advocate and founder of OIPA, AMMA Care Foundation, and PAWS-Mumbai, expressed shock that a public figure would admit to eating meat from such animals.