The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered illegal tiger skins and exposed a web of corruption in the Jaipatna Range Forest Office, South Forest Division of Kalahandi district.
During the operation, officials discovered fake ATM cards, mobile phones, digital devices, and fraudulent documents, shedding light on a significant misappropriation of government funds.
The raid targeted the residence of Forest Range Officer Ashok Sahu, resulting in the seizure of numerous incriminating items, including illegally kept tiger skins. The ED’s investigation revealed that Forest Department officials had illicitly diverted crores of rupees through NEFT transactions using fake bank accounts. These funds, meant for various government schemes, were withdrawn from 121 bank accounts via ATMs.
Forest Guard Ashok Sahu faced a 10-hour interrogation, revealing a deeply entrenched corruption network within the Forest Department. The investigation found that approximately two and a half crore rupees had been misappropriated. The seized items included multiple fake bank accounts, withdrawal slips, and other illegal documents.
The ED continues to probe the origins and transfers of the misappropriated funds, with allegations of corruption spanning activities such as afforestation, nursery management, sapling planting and care, and stone embankment projects. This raid has brought to light the extensive corruption involving rangers, foresters, and forest guards, indicating long-standing malpractices within the department.
The ED’s efforts aim to bring justice and accountability to those involved in this large-scale corruption scandal.
