Navi Mumbai, Oct. 15 -- Maharashtra's forest minister, Ganesh Naik, has landed in controversy after a candid admission at a community programme in Vashi, where he said that he had once kept wild animals in his care before releasing them when he assumed ministerial office. A video of the BJP leader's remarks on Monday has gone viral. Addressing members of the Khatik community, traditionally engaged in goat rearing and the meat trade, Naik began his speech by referring to goats brought from Marathwada, before digressing into a personal anecdote. "Those working here, who bring goats from Marathwada, had once brought a deer for me. When I asked how it came, they said the fawn had strayed into the herd of goats. I took care of it," he said. "But when I became a minister, I said we can't keep it at our place, and so released it. As a forest minister, you can't keep jungle animals, peacocks, etc. I also had leopard cubs, but how can one take care of them? We take care of them with love, but it is an offence as per law, and hence we have to stop that love." Wildlife experts were quick to point out that under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, possession of protected species-even with good intentions-constitutes a punishable offence. It wasn't long before Naik's remarks sparked a political row. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant demanded action against Naik, writing on social media: "If any ordinary citizen had done this, they would have been booked under the Wildlife Protection Act. But when the Forest Minister himself admits to illegally keeping a wild animal, the government remains silent." Following the uproar, Naik issued a clarification. "A part of my conversation during a public event has been misinterpreted. My comment was merely an example of affection and concern towards wild animals," he said. "I had never kept any wild animal illegally in my possession," he added....