Actress Chhaya Kadam Skips Forest Dept Summons Again Over Alleged Wildlife Meat Claims

Actress Chhaya Kadam has once again failed to appear before the Forest Department in connection with an inquiry initiated against her by the Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a city-based NGO. This is the second summons issued to the actress by the department, which stated that the notice was pasted on her Mumbai residence as no one was available to receive it.

Investigating officer Rakesh Bhoir, while speaking to FPJ, said, “We were expecting Miss Kadam to appear before the department for questioning, but she failed to do so. Hence, we went to her house in Mumbai to hand over the second summons, but no one was available to receive it. Therefore, we pasted the notice on her door. If she again fails to respond, we will take further steps as per instructions from our seniors.”

Meanwhile, FPJ reached out to the actress, who said, “I received a notice from the Forest Department in connection with the complaint registered against me by PAWS. However, due to my pre-decided schedule, I could not appear before the Forest Department officer for the inquiry. I have communicated this via email and have requested a time slot. I believe there has been some misunderstanding arising from the interview that was aired, and I am confident that I will be able to present my point of view before the Forest Department officers in this matter.”

Kadam, who appeared in the film Laapataa Ladies, allegedly admitted in a video interview—uploaded by a radio channel—to consuming meat from protected wildlife species. The interview, posted on YouTube, claims she ate meat from animals such as mouse deer, rabbits, wild boar, monitor lizard, and porcupine.