Ajay Sharma
Rajouri, April 7, 2024
An explosive audio clip between a Range Officer and Block Officer of the Social Forestry Department in Lambheri, Rajouri has gone viral on social media, shedding light on rampant corruption within the department. The audio clip captured a heated altercation between the officers regarding the division of ill-gotten gains, amounting to a staggering Rs 230,000, allegedly earned through corrupt practices.
According to the viral audio, the Block Officer can be heard accusing the Range Officer of clandestinely pocketing money from various sources without his knowledge, particularly citing an instance involving the Channi Nursery of the department. The Range Officer, in response, promised to share the spoils accordingly, indicating complicity in the corruption.
“Shockingly, the audio reveals the officers discussing multiple instances where they withdrew funds using fake bills and unauthorized means,” said sources, adding that it was also disclosed that the Range Officer is not even qualified for his position, being a Deputy Forester, but has been granted control over two ranges due to patronage from a senior officer.
Furthermore, the Range Officer implicated the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), claiming that payments were released during his tenure. This revelation implicates higher-ranking officials in the corruption scandal.
When contacted, the Block Officer, he expressed his intention to expose the Range Officer and the DFO, accusing them of being deeply involved in corrupt activities.
Meanwhile, sources emphasized that such behavior goes against the principles championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who have been staunch advocates for combating corruption.
“It would be interesting to see how these corrupt elements would be dealt with after the spread of this audio message, which is self explanatory,” said sources, adding that this audio clip has already reached the senior officers of the department.
