Babulal Marandi Raises Ranchi Forest Scam Issue; Calls for ACB Probe Intensify
Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has leveled serious allegations regarding an alleged multi-crore scam that took place within the Ranchi Forest Division between 2013 and 2018. Accusing the then-Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Rajiv Lochan Bakshi, of misuse of office, destruction of evidence, and embezzlement of government funds, he has demanded that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) register an FIR and conduct an investigation into the matter.
Marandi stated that the Principal Accountant General's report revealed that vouchers for material purchases worth ₹1.80 crore were found to be missing, while muster rolls amounting to ₹5.455 crore were deemed suspicious. Instances of cash payments made to laborers and entries recorded without proper verification have also come to light. Furthermore, a case involving the disregard of regulations during the diversion of 7.35 hectares of forest land has also surfaced.
Demanding an investigation into the entire episode by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the conduct of a forensic audit, he has called for strict action to be taken against the culprits.
