The Kerala Forest Department has taken decisive action, suspending two of its officers after an extensive investigation by the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB). The probe reportedly uncovered significant evidence of a bribery scheme involving contractors engaged in crucial infrastructure development projects.
Rajesh Ravindran, the Principal Chief Forest Conservator and Head of Forest Force, officially issued the suspension orders. The officers implicated are Arun K. Nair, the Vallakadavu range forest officer, and K.E. Sibi, the Thekkady range forest officer. This suspension is an interim measure, with a more thorough inquiry expected to follow in light of the compelling evidence unearthed by the VACB.
These suspensions stem from ‘Operation Vanaraksha,’ a comprehensive statewide series of raids conducted by the VACB across 71 forest range offices. This operation revealed deeply concerning widespread irregularities and highlighted a troubling close-knit relationship between certain forest officials and contractors.
Specifically, the Vallakadavu range forest officer stands accused of accepting bribes amounting to a substantial ₹72.8 lakh. These funds were allegedly transferred to him and his family members by a contractor in several installments between June and September. Furthermore, the officer is also reported to have directed the contractor to disburse an additional ₹1.36 lakh to a business establishment located in Kochi.
The Thekkady range forest officer faces similar accusations, having allegedly received ₹31.08 lakh from the same contractor. An additional ₹1.95 lakh was purportedly accepted from two other contractors. The methods of payment varied, reportedly including direct cash transfers, transactions facilitated by middlemen, and digital UPI payments.
The Officers’ Defense
In their defense, the suspended officers have asserted that these significant sums were merely advances provided to the contractors. Their explanation is that these payments were intended to accelerate the completion of various infrastructure projects, and the funds were subsequently returned to them once the contractors’ official bills were processed and cleared.