Nagpur: Two forest department staffers were suspended on Jan 16 in connection with the illegal felling of 268 teak trees in the reserved forest of Wadgaon range in Yavatmal district. Informing the Maharashtra legislative assembly on Wednesday, forest minister Ganesh Naik said the suspension was ordered by the deputy conservator of forests. A three-member inquiry committee was constituted under a retired divisional forest officer.The committee examined concerned staff, officers, and the complainant, scrutinised relevant documents, and submitted its report to Yavatmal chief conservator of forests on Feb 10.The issue was raised through a starred question by Bramhapuri MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, who sought details on whether the committee had been directed to submit its findings within seven days and what action had been taken against those found guilty.Naik said the committee, in its findings, also recommended initiating a departmental inquiry against the two suspended officials under the Maharashtra Civil Services Rules, 1979.
