Nagpur: The Katol BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh, who is engulfed in the Nilgai poaching controversy, found some solace when farmers of the area came in support of the leader.
As the controversy threatened to acquire larger proportions, farmers and office-bearers of Katol-Narkhed Panchayat Samiti rushed to Patrakar Bhavan in Nagpur and addressed a press conference in support of the MLA. According to the farmers, a herd of Nilgai was on crop damaging spree in hundreds of acres of farm land. The destruction of standing crops put farmers at financial losses.
The Katol MLA Deshmukh was approached for resolving the problem. The State Government had issued an order dated June 30, 2015 wherein it was stated that the protected species could be killed if the animals destroy standing crop s of farmers. However, the farmers were not aware of the Government order.
The MLA formally sought permission from Forest Department and hunted down two Nilgais in Katol Tehsil and three in Narkhed Tehsil on a single day. The MLA has done nothing illeal, said the farmers. The press conference was attended by Chairman of Narkhed Panchayat Samiti Raju Harde and other office-bearers along with farmers.
