Though the anti-poaching squad raided the canteen for serving quail meat, the customers say neither were feathers of the killed birds nor live birds seized in the raid. Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Bhagwan admits that this is proving to be a challenge where Forest Department investigations are concerned.

He told PTI yesterday that in the wake of a controversy over proving charges against the canteen owner, if the department could substantiate their claim, it would set a precedent on the legality of such raids.

On the other hand, if the department failed in the prosecution, no one would be convicted in future for either hunting, cooking or consuming the meat of protected wild animals, he added.

Bhagwan said the department has astrong case in this instance as the seized material is being sent to an institute which will identify the bird species. While refusing to disclose the name and location of the institute, he said the skeleton and the texture of the flesh of every bird could clearly be identified.