IFS officer apologises to Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre

Bengaluru, DHNS: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday stated that the department has recommended demotion of IFS officer R Gokul while withdrawing the previous recommendation for his suspension.

In a statement issued to the media, his office stated that the minister was responding to media queries over the Union environment ministry declining to confirm Gokul's suspension.

"The Union ministry has refused to confirm the suspension citing a technical reason that the state government did not send the file within 15 days. Meanwhile, Gokul has submitted an unconditional apology for writing a letter to the CBI against the government," the minister said in a statement.

Khandre also stated that he has recommended demotion of the officer from the rank of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to the Chief Conservator of Forests.