Naik, a relative of Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration Minister Manohar Naik, had allegedly killed the animal between Jambharun and Kalajamba vllages of Washim district on July 16.
Villagers of Jambharun had reportedly rushed to the spot after hearing a gunshot and had nabbed Naik and his accomplices. Villagers later reportedly handed them over along with the killed animal to the Ansing police. The police, however, had later released the offenders due to political pressure, wildlife NGO Satpuda Foundation had alleged.
The NGO had also alleged that the villagers who had caught hold of the culprits had later retracted their statement under political pressure.
But due to constant media pressure, a probe was ordered. On July 24, one of the accused, Yasin Shah Gulzar of Wara-jahangir, was arrested Anil Naik and three others, all residents of Gahuli in Pusad, had applied for anticipatory bail through their lawyers and had denied involvement in poaching. Read the full report here.
Source: Express News Service, Indian Express, Nagpur.
