Three foresters held for forgery

AMRAVATI: Dharni police has arrested three foresters working with west Melghat region, including two range forest officers (RFOs) and one round officer, in the wee hours of Wednesday. Those arrested include RFOs Sanjay Jagtap, Shankar Polankar and round officer Ajay Talan. All the three have been accused of defaming the police department and preparing false documents on illicit tree-felling in their region.
On June 18, Dharni court had exonerated Amravati superintendent of police Krishna Prakash and deputy SP Nishith Mishra and on Wednesday police arrested three forest officers.
It may be mentioned that over 90 small teak trees were seized near Lawada Duni village in compartment numbers 721 and 723 on February 13 by Krishna Prakash and his men and eight persons were caught red-handed while felling trees illegally. After probe, it was learnt that the SP had offered money to cut these trees. The police filed FIRs against the forest officials. The matter went to the Dharni civil court which exonerated SP and Deputy SP. Judge Hemant Shirsalkar said that it was necessary to take permission from the government to prosecute Krishna Prakash and his deputy, while driver of the truck in which felled teakwood was being transported and 10 others were held guilty the court.
Meanwhile, Taslim Ahmed, chief conservator of forests (CCF), talking to TOI said, the arrested officers are 'not guilty' and police action is 'vengeful.' The arrested officials have been charged under section 26, 41, 42, 52 and 69 of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) and Indian Forest Act 1927, besides section 469, 218, 109 of the IPC.
kirti.pande@timesgroup.com