DFO and Forest Beat Officer Caught in Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Traps in Assam
Guwahati, June 20, 2024: In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Assam, successfully trapped and arrested two government officials for accepting bribes. The operations highlight the ongoing efforts to root out corruption within the state’s bureaucracy.
Gopal Deka, the Forest Beat Officer of Gabhoru Beat in Sonitpur, was apprehended today after being caught red-handed accepting a bribe from a complainant. Deka allegedly demanded and accepted the illicit payment to allow the unhindered movement of a vehicle transporting forest products. The arrest took place at his office, following meticulous planning by the vigilance team.
In a separate but equally notable operation, Jnana Ranjan Das, an Assam Forest Service (AFS) officer serving as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Social Forestry Division in Golaghat, was arrested at his official residence. Das was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a complainant. The bribe was allegedly solicited to prevent the cancellation of a work order.
Both officials are currently in custody, and further investigations are underway to uncover any additional malpractices. The vigilance directorate has urged the public to come forward with any information regarding corrupt activities to aid in their mission against corruption.
The state government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, assuring citizens that no one, regardless of their position, will be spared if found guilty of corrupt practices.
Also read: Police in Guwahati Solve Theft Case, Recover Over Rs 5 Lakh
