Malkangiri: The Forester (in-charge) of Balimela Kendu Leaf Range, Durga Prasad Naik and Forest Guard (in-charge) of K.Gumma-A Kendu Leaf Section, Padmini Patnaik have been placed under suspension.
The suspension orders were issued by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Jeypore Kendu Leaf Divison, Prafulla Mandal.
While no reasons have been specified in the official suspension orders, it is believed to be a follow-up action after a recorded conversation between a journalist and the forest guard went viral on the Internet.
If the transcript of this purported audio recording is to be believed, money was being extorted from tribal families when they claim and receive an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh, in case of the earning members (kendu leaf plucker).
The forest personnel used to allegedly take some money from the family members to sanction the ex gratia. The DFO has initiated an inquiry into the case.
