2 days ago
Tiger deaths at M.M. Hills: Govt suspends DCF Chakrapani
The State government has suspended Chakrapani Y., Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) M.M. Hills Wildlife Division for dereliction of duty and negligence in the case of the unnatural death of five tigers — a mother and her cubs — in the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on June 26.
On July 4, Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre had ordered the suspension of Assistant Conservator of Forests Gajanana Hegde of M.M. Hills Wildlife Division, and Range Forest Officer-cum-Surveyor Madesh while recommending the suspension of Mr. Chakrapani who is an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer for dereliction of duty and negligence in the above case.
On June 30, the three officers were sent on compulsory leave until further notice.
On Monday the State government issued an order suspending the IFS Officer following a high-level inquiry committee report on the death of the tiger and her cubs.
'In exercise of the powers under Rule 3(1) of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, Chakarapani Y., IFS, DCF, MM Hills, Wildlife Division, Kollegal, is placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry. During the period of suspension, the officer shall be paid subsistence allowance in accordance with Rule 4 of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.' the order stated.
'During the period of suspension, the officer shall not leave the headquarters under any circumstances without the written permission of the state government,' it added.
