Malkangiri Forester & Ranger Suspended for Fund Irregularities

Malkangiri: A forester and a ranger were suspended for fund irregularities in Kendu leaf Division in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.

The accused were identified as Durga Prasad Naik, Ranger in charge of Balimela KL Range and Padmini Patnaik, Forester in charge of Kudumula Gumma range.

According to reports, they were allegedly extorting money from tribal people. On receiving information about it, the authorities took action. The family of the registered kendu leaf plucker were entitled to get financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the government after their death. However, the accused used to take some money from the family members to sanction the money to them.

Reportedly, they were also harassing the kendu leaf pluckers for money. Following this, the victims lodged complaint with the Jaipur Kendu leaf Division officials.

Based on the complaint, the forest officials investigated the incident and suspended the forester and the ranger.