A senior IFS officer, R. Gokul, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & DG (EMPRI) has been suspended for his alleged role in the HMT forest land issue. The suspension comes after the officer was found to have taken legal action without government permission, leading to a probe.
The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms issued the suspension order, stating that Gokul’s actions were in violation of rules. The investigation is ongoing.
Background
The issue pertains to the HMT forest land, which is valued at over ₹14,000 crore. A case is pending in the Supreme Court regarding the denotification of the land. The forest minister, Eshwar B. Khandre, had earlier stated that four officials, including two retired IAS and IFS officers and two serving IFS officers, had been issued notices for their alleged roles in the matter.
Action Taken
Gokul has been suspended, and another officer faces departmental inquiry. The government has also decided to take action against two retired officers as per rules. The minister assured that the government would take strict action against those found guilty.
Controversy
Gokul has alleged that he is being made a scapegoat and has sought protection from the CBI. However, the minister has denied these claims, stating that the allegations are baseless and part of a larger conspiracy.
The government has withdrawn the Interlocutory Application (IA) seeking denotification of the HMT & Peenya Plantation land and has initiated action against the officers involved. The minister emphasized that the land belongs to the people of Karnataka and that any action taken without proper authorization would be unacceptable.
