n Maharashtra, Forest Minister Patangrao Kadam announced in Mumbai yesterday that the state forest department will be recruiting over 500 armed guards for four forest reserves in the state.

Speaking to media persons at a press conference in Mumbai, he said that any action taken by forest authorities including shooting against those caught while hunting down tigers will not be considered a crime. 

Around 523 new guards will be recruited soon and will be deployed at four forest reserves of the state -- Tadoba, Pench, Melghat and Sahyadri.

The Government has also appointed a four-member committee of experts to advise the government on steps to be taken for precautions against poaching of tigers.