Buck rolls on; summons for Salman, Ash

AHMEDABAD, Nov 19: The State Forest Department has asked matinee idols Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai to appear before an Assistant Conservat...

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AHMEDABAD, Nov 19: The State Forest Department has asked matinee idols Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai to appear before an Assistant Conservator of Forest (East Division, Kutch Circle) who is investigating into the killing of two chinkaras (Indian gazelle) during the first week of September.

The incident allegedly took place when a film unit from Mumbai, including Salman and Aishwarya, was shooting for Sanjay Bhansali’s film `Hum To Sanam Dil De Chuke’. Besides, the Bollywood stars, involvement of a senior army officer and some local influential people is also suspected.

Confirming this, S C Srivastav, Conservator of Forests (Kutch Circle) said the Investigating Officer Gujjar, had written to the duo about 20 days ago, asking them to appear before him for questioning on November 16. But the Bollywood stars replied that they were busy shooting and needed time, Srivastav said. On November 13, the Investigating Officer asked them to report within a week. Srivastav said he was positive that the duo would notevade turning up at Bhuj.

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According to sources in the Forest Department, the investigation is in the final stage, but no direct evidence pointing to the film stars’ direct involvement has been found so far. Srivastav claimed that `all aspects’ are being covered in the investigation, including questioning of local people believed to have accompanied or helped the hunting party.

Two chinkaras were killed in Sumarasar-Bhirandiyara pasture belt of Banni by a hunting party which included the film stars, it is alleged. Roasted venison was later served at a private tourist resort to the film party on the night of September 6, according to sources. The investigation began after Sumrasar villagers wrote to the department.

The film party, which stayed at a hotel in Bhuj, camped in the area for about a week. Sources added that they went out for hunting on more than one night, in jeeps.