Bhubaneswar: Two forest officials were given compulsory retirement over corruption charges, possessing disproportionate assets and dereliction of duty.
The action was taken by Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh against the officials on Wednesday. Those given compulsory retirement are Laxman Pradhan, SCF, Kuldiha Range, Balasore Forest Division and Bharat Kumar Ghadai, Forester, Bisra Range, Panposh Forest Division in Sundargarh district.
A press communiqué said SCF Laxman Pradhan was placed under suspension after a case filed with Lokpal on corruption charges. The Vigilance wing had initiated a disciplinary proceeding against him for dereliction of duty and amassing disproportionate assets.
A decomposed carcass of a tusker was found with its tusks missing while Pradhan was in charge of Kuldiha Wildlife Range.
The State Vigilance had repeatedly registered cases over corruption charges against Bisra Range Forester Bharat Kumar Ghadai in Sundergarh district.
Worthwhile to mention that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik under his 5T Initiative has issued a directive to slap compulsory retirement on corrupt forest officials to save forest resources and the environment.
