Madikeri: Three forest officials, including a deputy range forest officer (DRFO), have been suspended following an investigation into a teakwood theft case reported in the Kajur Reserve Forest of Somwarpet.The suspended officials include DRFO Ullas P, forest guard Antony, and staff member Chandresh. Divisional forest officer (DCF) Abishek confirmed the suspensions, stating that further action would be taken upon completion of the ongoing investigation.The case dates back to Dec 13, when forest officials from the Somwarpet division, acting on a tip-off, apprehended individuals involved in illegal teakwood felling and smuggling in the Kajur Reserve Forest area. While one was arrested, five others managed to escape.During the investigation, officials began suspecting a wider network, including potential involvement of forest department personnel such as a DRFO, a forest guard, and members of the Rapid Response Team and Elephant Task Force.Investigators later found that more than 25 teakwood trees had been illegally felled and smuggled out of the reserve, pointing to involvement of foresters. In response, state forest minister Eshwar Kandre directed the chief conservator of forests in Kodagu to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT).The SIT, led by forest vigilance DRFO Ganashree, uncovered further details, leading to the booking of around 10 local residents allegedly linked to the case. They were later released on bail. Authorities also seized 59 teakwood logs during the course of the investigation.
