Two years on, no major progress in Virajpet teak tree-felling scam

The Forest Department’s probe into tree felling scam in Virajpet is making slow progress with the govt dropping two of the eight officials from the inquiry, while the case against the then deputy conservator of forest Y Chakrapani is yet to see a major progress.

DH had in June 2023 reported on Chakrapani’s order to grant permission to fell trees in “sagu” government land. A probe by the department’s vigilance wing not only found that the felling order was illegal but also that the DCF permitted felling of 66 trees, many aged over 100 years, even though permission was sought to fell only six trees.

Multiple violations

Further probe of 71 files related to tree felling in the Virajpet division had shown multiple violations in many permits with officials estimating that total value of teak and rosewood trees cut down during the period to cross Rs 100 crore.

In its order dated January 2, 2025, the government noted that assistant conservator of forests Seema H and range forest officer (RFO) B M Shankar were not part of the division when the scam took place.

In another order, the government said inquiry will continue against the then ACF P P Uthappa (recently retired), office manager Anita K A, RFO Ashok Hunugund, First division clerk Hemavati K A, Deputy RFO Bopanna C D and beat guard Rajesh K G. 

Enquiry report

“Siddappa N Kempagoudar, district and sessions judge (retired) is appointed as enquiry officer,” the order said, adding that the enquiry report be submitted within four months.

“The CID needs to probe the others but there is no progress in the matter. Even then, they are all minor officials, whose role is very limited. The government needs to bring accountability at the top level. A chargesheet against Chakrapani was prepared over six months ago but nothing has happened,” sources said.

No headway

The government had suspended Chakrapani, who got a stay from the High Court and returned to service. Later, it ordered a probe by the criminal investigation department which has not made any headway.

DH reached out to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Head of Forest Force) Brijesh Kumar Dikshit for a response. “Criminal and disciplinary proceedings are two separate procedures which will both go on as per the rules. The people who are responsible will be investigated in the coming days,” he said.