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Suspended forest official Montu Hazarika

Jorhat, July 5: A forester from the Jorhat Forest Division has been suspended immediately due to allegations of corruption and misconduct.

The suspension of Montu Hazarika, who holds the position of Forester-II, was enacted by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Jorhat Forest Division, reportedly following instructions from Assam's Forest Minister, Jayanta Mallabaruah.

As per the suspension order, Hazarika will remain suspended while departmental proceedings are initiated under the Assam Services (Disciplinary & Appeal) Rules, 1964.

"Pending the initiation of departmental proceedings, Sri Montu Hazarika, Forester-II under Head Quarter Beat, Jorhat, is hereby placed under suspension under the provisions of the Assam Services (Disciplinary & Appeal) Rules, 1964 due to alleged corrupt practices. His headquarters during the suspension will be at Mariani Range Headquarters, Mariani," the order specified.

This action follows the circulation of a viral audio clip on social media, which purportedly recorded a conversation indicating Hazarika's involvement in enabling the illegal transport of sand-laden trucks in collaboration with sand traders, in exchange for money.

Reports indicate that upon learning of the situation, the Forest Minister instructed the department to take swift action.

In response to these directives, the DFO suspended Hazarika while awaiting the results of the departmental inquiry.

The viral audio has also raised concerns about potential collusion among certain officials within the Jorhat Forest Division with the sand mafia, allegedly leading to significant revenue losses for the government.

Currently, the allegations against Hazarika are under investigation by the department.