Wayanad: The Forest Department on Monday transferred Kalpetta Flying Squad Range Officer MP Sajeevan for his involvement in the controversial Sugandhagiri tree-felling case. He was transferred to the Social Forestry Range in Vadakara. He will be replaced Vadakara forestry division range officer Jiljith KP.
On Saturday, the South Wayanad DFO A Shajna was transferred to the Social Forestry Division in Kasaragod due to the alleged supervisory lapses in ensuring procedures in felling the trees.
A massive tree felling was detected on forest land reserved for the Sugandhagiri Cardamom project in February. Trees were chopped down by misusing permissions given to remove trees that posed a danger to houses and vehicles.
Though the initial report cited 36 illegal felling incidents, an inquiry by the DFO revealed 107 cases. The DFO suspended three personnel directly involved in the felling and seized trucks and earth movers used to load and transport the trees. It was at this point that a fresh investigation team was formed comprising officials from outside Wayanad.
As per the transfer order issued to A Shajna, a sequel to the report of the Additional Principal Chief Forest Conservator (Vigilance and Forest Intelligence), the DFO failed to conduct necessary field examinations, which allowed the culprits to smuggle the trees in multiple loads.
The department had issued a memo to the DFO seeking an explanation on April 17, in connection with the tree felling at Sugandhagiri. The memo was cancelled the same day. Later, a suspension order was issued to the DFO and two other officials, which was also withdrawn the same day citing legal irregularities.
Explaining the reason for the unusual procedure, Minister for Forests, AK Saseendran had told Onmanorama that the report of the special team that investigated the Sugandhagiri tree-felling case had recommended the government to only seek an explanation. He had said that disciplinary action would follow based on the explanation.