Interestingly, the raid was conducted when some of the legislators and their visitors were enjoying delicacies in the lunch hour. The anti-poaching squad has booked the canteen owner, Israilbhai of Bartania Caterer under Section 9 and 44 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The hunting and killing of the Indian Quail is a non-bailable offence, punishable with a jail term up to three years or fine of Rs 24,000 or both.

The Wildlife Wing come to know that this banned bird specie, considered as a delicacy, was being served to legislators and visitors since the beginning of the winter session of the State Legislature, which commenced here on December 14 last. A trap was laid with the aid of the city police and office-bearers of WildlifeProtection Society (WPS).

Kishore Mishrikotkar and Y S Jangde, both the Range Forest Officers (RFOs), who were heading the raid told The Indian Express that they had taken necessary permission from the concerned authorities of State Legislature before entering the Vidhan Bhavan premises and raiding the canteen.

The raids were supervised by Shri Bhagwan, the conservator of forests (CF), Wildlife Wing of state Forest Department and B N Raut, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Nagpur city. Indian Quail is found in abundance in the Vidarbha jungle. And since illegal trade of this species is on in a massive scale, it is easy to get the meat of this bird in any hotel or dhaba in the region.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Legislative Council chairman has ordered an inquiry into the incident. When the issue was raised during zero hour by Anil Gondane of RPI, the chairman Prof N S Pharande said he had already ordered a probe after he received a complaint in this regard.