A Forest Department official in Assam has been suspended after an audio clip of him purportedly demanding money from a dumper truck owner to operate illegally went viral on social media.
According to an office order, Forester-II of the Jorhat Forest Division Montu Hazarika has been placed under suspension with immediate effect for allegedly indulging in corrupt practices.
He has been asked to report to Mariani Range headquarters.
Sources said the audio clip came to the notice of Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, who directed the department to take immediate action. Acting on the Minister’s instructions, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Jorhat Division, issued an order suspending Hazarika with immediate effect pending departmental proceedings.
