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Forest Department raids Vidhan Bhavan canteen

The anti-poaching squad of the wildlife wing of the Maharashtra forests department today raided the Vidhan Bhavan canteen for legislators in Nagpur after it allegedly served the Indian quail, a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The squad booked the owner and contractor of the Bartania canteen, Israilbhai, under sections 9 and 44 of the Act.

A trap was laid with the help of the police and office-bearers of the Wildlife Protection Society while some legislators were having lunch.

Kishore Mishrikotkar and Y S Jangade, the range forest officers heading the raiding party, said they had learnt that the species, considered a delicacy in the area, was being served to legislators and visitors since the beginning of the winter session on December 14. The session ends tomorrow.

The officers said they had taken permission from the legislature authorities before entering the Vidhan Bhavan premises and conducting the raid on the penultimate day of the three-week session.

Hunting, killing, or serving these birds is a non-bailable offence punishable with a jail term of up to three years and/or a fine of up to Rs 24,000.

UNI

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