Malkangiri: A forester in-charge and a forest guard in-charge have been suspended for fund irregularities in Kendu Leaf Division in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.
The accused personnel have been identified as Durga Prasad Naik Forester in-charge of Balimela KL Range and Padmini Patnaik, Forest Guard in-charge of K.Gumma-A KL section.
According to reports, a family of the registered kendu leaf pluckers was entitled to get financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the government after their death. However, the accused took gratification from the family members to sanction the money.
Reportedly, they were also harassing the kendu leaf pluckers for money. Following this, the victims lodged complaint with the Jeypore Kendu leaf Division officials.
On the basis of the complaint, the forest officials investigated the allegations and suspended the forester and the guard.
