Assam Government Takes Action Against Corruption in Forest Department

Government Response to Corruption Allegations

Nalbari, June 21: In response to allegations of corruption, the Assam government has transferred the Hajo Forest Range Officer and suspended a forest department staff member due to claims of illegal fees being collected from vehicles transporting sand and other irregularities.

The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department issued orders to transfer Pranjal Barman, the Hajo Forest Range Officer, from the North Kamrup Division to the Working Plan Office in Jorhat, effective immediately.

Additionally, Imtiaz Ahmed, a Forester-I in the North Kamrup Division, has been suspended pending an internal investigation, as stated by the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Assam.

Ahmed's suspension is due to allegations of his involvement in corrupt practices, which have been reported by dumper operators who transport sand from forest areas, claiming that illegal payments have been demanded for an extended period.

Mojibor Ali, a dumper owner, reported that he and other transporters had been regularly paying fees for nearly two years. "The Hajo Forest Ranger demanded Rs 3,500 monthly and between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 during routine checks, which were personal collections rather than government taxes," Ali stated.

Ali recounted an incident where four dumpers, including his, were stopped for inspection. While two vehicles were permitted to leave, his was detained. He claimed he was threatened for lacking a legal challan, despite the presence of local residents and police.

Ali asserted that he has documentation of payments made over the past two years and is willing to present this evidence to investigators. "For almost two years, I have been paying to extract resources from the forest without receiving any formal receipts," he remarked.

He called for a comprehensive investigation, stating, "I am ready to sell my vehicle and leave this profession if necessary, but there must be a thorough inquiry and strict action against those responsible." Ali also indicated that the money was collected not directly by the ranger but through Imtiaz Ahmed.

State Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah confirmed the government's actions, stating that immediate measures were taken following reports of illegal money collection and irregularities in the Hajo Forest Range. "Upon receiving these allegations, we acted swiftly. Orders have been issued for the transfer of Forest Range Officer Pranjal Barman, and Imtiaz Ahmed has been suspended," Mallabaruah shared on social media.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to combating corruption, the minister emphasized that no one is above the law and that strict measures will be enforced against those misusing their official roles. "The Assam Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption," he added.