GUWAHATI: The Assam Forest Department has suspended a forester and transferred a forest ranger following allegations of illegal collection of money and other irregularities in the Hajo and Rangia Forest Ranges under the North Kamrup Division in Assam.
ALSO READ: Guwahati: Traffic Delays Expected on Jalukbari–Airport Route Till June 23 Due to Road Repair Work
The action comes after reports of alleged malpractice in the range prompted the department to initiate immediate measures. Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, in a post on X on Satrruday, June 20, stated, "Upon receiving reports regarding alleged illegal collection of money and irregularities in the Hajo Forest Range, we directed for immediate action."
According to an office order, Forester-I Imtiaz Ahmed, attached to the North Kamrup Division in Rangia, has been placed under suspension pending departmental proceedings. The order stated that the suspension was effected under the Assam Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1964, on account of alleged involvement in corrupt practices.
During the suspension period, Ahmed's headquarters has been fixed at the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Genetic Cell Division, Basistha, Guwahati, and he will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per applicable rules.
In a separate notification issued by the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, Forest Ranger Pranjal Barman, in-charge of the Northern Range, Hajo, has been transferred and posted to the Working Plan Office, Upper Assam Circle, Jorhat, with immediate effect and until further orders.
