A major case of 351 illegal felling of saal trees surfaced in Risgaon Range of Abhayaranya, with SDIO MR Sahu allegedly offering protection to the loggers. Despite handing over a 1050-page chargesheet after investigation, no action has been taken against SDIO yet. The incident unfolded near Odisha’s Risgaon Range, where 25 individuals were implicated for unauthorized logging in the core zone. Two suspects fled during a raid in December under Deputy Ranger DL Sahu’s supervision.
So far, the anti-poaching team has arrested 15 suspects. Departmental proceedings have commenced based on statements of arrested individuals and mobile call records. Amid continuous efforts, SDIO obstructed the investigation using various tactics, as mentioned in the chargesheet.
Last week, Deputy Director Varun Jain forwarded a 1050-page chargesheet to PCF in the case. Out of 25 accused of illegal logging, 15 have been apprehended. Further action is anticipated, and preparations are underway to file an FIR for falsifying documents.
Jain emphasized that each case has been thoroughly investigated at the divisional level. Preparation for filing FIRs in cases involving forged documents is also underway. The probe continues to unravel the depth of SDIO’s involvement in the illegal logging racket.
In conclusion, the unfolding scandal of illegal saal tree felling in Risgaon Range underscores the need for swift accountability and decisive action against those involved. It also highlights the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms to protect our natural resources and ecosystems from exploitation.
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