Chhaya Kadam faces forest department probe for allegedly consuming protected species deer, rabbits, monitor lizards's meat

Chhaya Kadam faces forest department probe for allegedly consuming deer, rabbits, monitor lizards's meat

Actor Chhaya Kadam, known for her role in the Cannes-selected film All We Imagine As Light, is currently under scrutiny by the Maharashtra Forest Department after allegedly admitting in a video interview to consuming meat of protected wildlife species.

The investigation follows a complaint filed by the Mumbai-based NGO, Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which cited her interview with Mirchi Marathi as the source of the revelation.

In the interview, Kadam reportedly stated that she had eaten meat of several wildlife species including mouse deer, rabbits, wild boar, monitor lizard, and porcupine—many of which are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The incident quickly triggered outrage among animal welfare activists and led to formal action from the authorities.

Roshan Rathod, Divisional Forest Officer (Vigilance), confirmed to the media, “We have received a complaint which has been forwarded for inquiry to the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF). She will be called in for investigation soon.”

Rakesh Bhoir, the investigating officer in the case, added, “We got in touch with Kadam over the phone, where she informed us that she is out of town for a professional trip and will return only after four days. She has informed us she is seeking legal advice and will appear before us for the investigation.”

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The complaint by PAWS mentioned that such statements by a public figure send a “wrong message to the public” and demanded legal action under both the Wildlife Protection Act and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Sunish Subramanian Kunju, founder of PAWS-Mumbai, called it “shocking” that someone with influence would openly admit to consuming protected species.

A forest officer, on condition of anonymity, revealed that they would now attempt to trace the source of the wildlife meat and poachers who may have supplied it, using details shared in Kadam’s interview. The case has sparked fresh discussions on celebrity accountability and awareness around wildlife protection laws in India.

Kadam has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.