Bhubaneswar: A day after OTV reported irregularities of around Rs 592 crore Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, Balugaon forest ranger Ajay Jagdev has been transferred to ensure an impartial probe.
Jayadev has been transferred to the Regional Chief Conservator of Forest, Bhubaneswar circle, due to the ongoing enquiry in Balugaon range regarding utilisation of the CAMPA funds, informed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).
Meanwhile, Khurda forest ranger Uttam Garhnayak and Ranapur forest ranger Sarat Chandra Sathpathy will take over the charge of Balugaon and Tangi ranges respectively.
OTV had earlier telecast a report on allegations of irregularities in the CAMPA funds. The funds meant for renewing razed and destroyed forest were allegedly deposited to non-beneficiary accounts and later withdrawn.
As per the documents available with OTV, deposits of Rs 1,19,000, Rs 2,64,000 and Rs 1,19,000 were reportedly made to the accounts of one Surendra Jena of Banapur, Prabhat Pradhan and Muna Martha respectively and later withdrawn.
While speaking to OTV, the account holders had earlier clarified they have no clue why the amounts were initially deposited and subsequently withdrawn.
Jagdev had adopted a unique method to misuse the government funds. Instead of sending the fund to beneficiaries’ accounts in Balugon range, he allegedly transferred it to beneficiaries of Nayagarh, Ranapur and Tangi area and later withdrew it, said sources.
Complainants have further alleged that the ranger used to demand 50 per cent share of the wage what a daily wager was earning and threaten forest guards and other officials to prepare fake bills and documents.
When contacted, Jagdev initially defended the allegations and said, “Those who have worked, received the money. There is no guideline to say no to an outsider to work in any forest division.”
Later, on the pretext of giving reaction, the ranger called OTV and indirectly admitted to his involvement in the irregularities.
Meanwhile, Odisha Congress on Saturday alleged that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led government is trying to find ways to siphon off public funds amid the COVID-19 crisis in the state.
Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Niranjan Patnaik said that after corruption in the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE), now the BJD leaders and government officials have siphoned off Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds.
While Congress exposed the corruption in medical procurement, the BJD government didn't take any action, he alleged.
"PPE kits for corona warriors in Odisha have also not been purchased as per the guidelines of union government. It is a shameful act," said Patnaik.
"Now, another scam has surfaced! In September 2019, Odisha received Rs 6,000 crore under CAMPA that aims to promote afforestation, regeneration of degraded forests and protection of wildlife," said the Congress leader.
He said BJD politicians and government officials have siphoned off CAMPA funds by depositing and withdrawing money using fictitious accounts.
"At a time when entire Odisha is reeling under COVID-19, it is shameful how BJD is trying to find ways to do corruption and siphon off public funds," he added.
The PCC president said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik must take stern actions against those who are behind this scam.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)
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