Selfie with lions costs Ravindra Jadeja a fine of Rs 20000

Indian cricketer, Ravindra Jadeja recently found himself in a spot of trouble when he posted a selfie with lions at the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary where photography is strictly prohibited.

The all-rounder, today, was asked to pay a fine of Rs. 20, 000 to the Gujarat forest department. 

Jadeja who is currently on national duty, touring with the Indian team for the four-test series in the Caribbean was unable to personal settle his dues, so his father-in-law Hardevsinh Solanki, a resident of Rajkot, issued a statement on behalf of Jadeja and paid the fine, said  Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), A P Singh.

However, the matter hasn't been resolved just yet. Singh had ordered an inquiry report after the photos surfaced the report is yet to be sent to the authorities.

"A penalty and an inquiry report are two different things. The inquiry report will be sent to higher authorities after we finalise it. An action against the forest staff will be taken based on the findings of the report," Singh added.

The lion safari is one of the main attractions at Sasan, where the forest department provides open-hood jeeps to tourists to watch lions inside the sanctuary. 

Tourists, however, are prohibited from alighting the vehicle during the safari.

Jadeja is an ardent animal lover with a special affection towards horses. He even owns two horses, 'Vaari and Janki,' that he rears at his farmhouse.