Forged signatures: Forest officer and guard suspended for embezzling Rs 14 lakh in Tissa range
Fraud (symbolic) - Photo: Social Media
Diary Times News Service
Chamba, August 17: The Forest Department has suspended the Forest Division Officer of Sei Block of Tissa Range and a forest guard in a Rs 14 lakh fraud case where they allegedly forged signatures to misappropriate funds from the bank account of a forest management committee.
The incident dates back to March 2023, when a complaint was lodged against the two officials for changing the signature of the pradhan (head) of a society formed under the State Forest Ecosystem Climate Proofing Project (KFW) without informing the concerned authorities. This fake signature change allowed them to withdraw Rs 14 lakh from the society’s bank account.
An internal inquiry conducted by the Forest Division Officer of Churah revealed unauthorised changes in the signature of the pradhan and head of the society, leading to misappropriation of funds. The inquiry report was submitted to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamba, who then issued notices to the accused officials, seeking explanation.
Despite being given an opportunity to explain their actions, the responses of the accused were deemed unsatisfactory by the department. As a result, the Chief Conservator of Forests ordered the suspension of both the Forest Division Officer and the Forest Guard.
Further investigation into the case revealed that the embezzled money was transferred to the personal accounts of the accused through online transactions. The Forest Department has collected enough evidence to support these allegations and is considering extending the investigation to other officials or employees potentially involved in the scam.
Confirming the suspension, Chief Forest Range Officer Abhilash Damodaran said, “The Forest Division Officer and the Forest Guard have been suspended for their involvement in forging the signature of the Pradhan and misappropriating Rs 14 lakh to Makkan. The department is taking further action to ensure justice.”
Further disciplinary action is expected as the investigation progresses.
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