In a move that has upset wildlife experts and activists alike, the Maharashtra Forest Department has hired Hyderabad-based hunter, Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, who was allegedly involved in an arms deal, to tackle the leopard that is said to be responsible for the death of six people in Chalisgaon tehsil near Jalgaon. On December 2, TN Salunke, chief conservator of forest, Dhule, had written a letter -- a copy of which is with mid-day -- authorising Khan for the job of "trapping/tranquilising/killing" of the dangerous leopard.

Nawab Shafat Ali Khan