India, Feb. 27 -- The Maharashtra forest department has cleared Pune-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) RESQ Charitable Trust of violating wildlife laws following a complaint over alleged involvement of foreign nationals in its wildlife rescue and treatment operations.

The development follows a notice dated February 3, 2026, sent by advocate Chinmay M Mijar on behalf of Avadhut Arun Patki of Pune to principal chief conservator of forests and head of forest force (HOFF), Maharashtra. In the complaint, it was alleged that RESQ Charitable Trust had allowed foreign nationals to work as "interns" and "volunteers" in wildlife rescue operations without obtaining approvals from authorities.

According to the notice, foreigners were allege...