Kozhikode: Kalpatta range officer suspended for the incident of cutting and smuggling trees from Sugandhagiri forest land in Wayanad. Range Officer K. Neethu has been suspended.
Based on the Vigilance investigation report, the action is based on serious allegations. An explanation has been sought from DFO Shajna Karim regarding the incident. The Northern CCF has been tasked to take action against other officials in the case.
18 officials, including a divisional forest officer and two range officers, were found guilty in the case. Forest Minister A.K Saseendran should take immediate action against them had suggested.
126 trees were cut from Sugandhagiri forest land. Forest Watcher R. from the defendants. According to the report, Johnson took a bribe of Rs 52,000 and showed the contractor the trees to be cut. Kalpatta Section Forest Officer K.K. Chandran, beet forest officers Saji Prasad and MK Vinod Kumar and watchers Johnson and Balan are under suspension.
