Jharkhand High Court Criticizes Government for Delays in Tree Felling Probe During Lockdown
Synopsis
The Jharkhand High Court is demanding action as it criticizes the government for delays in investigating illegal tree felling during the Covid-19 lockdown. With serious involvement of forest department officials, the court is pushing for accountability.
Key Takeaways
The Jharkhand High Court is dissatisfied with the investigation's slow progress.
Illegal tree felling occurred in multiple districts during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Involvement of forest department officials has been identified.
Charge sheets have been filed against some officials, with an arrest warrant issued for another.
The court has demanded a status report from the state government within two weeks.
Ranchi, April 20 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court has shown significant frustration regarding the lack of progress in investigating extensive illegal tree felling that occurred across various districts during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. The court has ordered the state government to provide an updated status report within two weeks.
During the proceedings, the government revealed to the court that forest department officials' involvement, including that of range forest officers, rangers, and forest guards, has emerged during the investigation.
Two forest officials have faced charge sheets, while an arrest warrant has been issued for another individual implicated in the case.
This matter was adjudicated by a Division Bench led by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad. In adherence to previous court orders, the Additional Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the investigating Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) were present in court.
The court expressed its grave concern about the ongoing delay in the investigation, noting that the case has remained unresolved for several years. The state government argued that the involvement of personnel from the forest department has hindered the investigation.
In a prior hearing, the court criticized the responses from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Director General of Police (DGP) as insufficient, remarking that a six-year delay in the investigation could constitute contempt of court.
Furthermore, the High Court emphasized that merely stating the non-availability of documents was unacceptable, especially since it had instructed the CID to carry out a swift and effective investigation.
The court had firmly directed the ADG, CID, and the investigating officer to appear in person with all relevant documentation on April 20.
As per the petition, hundreds of trees were illegally cut down during the lockdown in 2020 across several districts, including Jamtara, Palamu, Chaibasa, and Ranchi, and more than 200 trucks were used to transport the illegally felled timber out of the state.
In response to these findings, FIRs were filed at the appropriate police stations, and the CID is presently carrying out the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Jharkhand High Court's intervention?
The court intervened due to delays in the investigation of illegal tree felling events that occurred during the Covid-19 lockdown, which raised serious concerns about accountability.
How many trees were illegally felled?
Hundreds of trees were reported to have been illegally cut down across various districts during the lockdown.
What actions have been taken against forest department officials?
Charge sheets have been filed against two forest officials, and an arrest warrant has been issued for another implicated individual.
Why is the investigation delayed?
The state government indicated that the investigation has been delayed due to the involvement of forest department personnel.
What is the court's next step?
The court has mandated the state government to submit an updated status report within two weeks.
