Cricketer Soumya may get fined for illegal possession of deerskin
The skin was used as the seat for the groom in the ritual held at Soumya’s house on February 21 in Satkhira
A photo of an "Ashirbad" ritual before Soumya Sarkar marriage showing the use of a deerskin has been extensively criticised on social media.
The skin was used as the seat for the groom in the ritual held at Soumya's house on February 21 in Satkhira. The Bangladeshi cricket star was seen sitting and standing on it with family members posing for photographs.
"We have already started our investigation. If Soumya can show a permit for keeping the deerskin then it will be considered legal. We will take proper action against him otherwise," Wildlife Crime Control Unit's Director S M Jahir Uddin Akon said.
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Soumya Sarkar's family, however, claimed that it is a part of their family tradition to use a deerskin in the marriage ritual.
Soumya's father Kishori Mohon Sarker said that the deerskin has been in their house for decades. It belonged to Soumya's grandfather.
When asked about the license, he said that he was busy and would talk later.
According to the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, people need to obtain a special permit to keep any parts of animals as souvenirs.
Anyone violating this law can get up to one year in jail and a Tk50,000 fine. A repeat offence can result in three years jail and a Tk2 lakh fine.
Soumya Sarkar is expected to tie the knot on February 26 this year. The bride is 19-year-old Prionti Debnath Puja from Tutpara in Khulna.
