- CCF accused of misconduct with ranger; Forest staff demand action
Shahdol: A major controversy has erupted within the Shahdol Forest Department following allegations of misconduct by Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Ajay Pandey towards Ranger Ram Naresh Vishwakarma. The situation has intensified as forest staff and the Forest Association have rallied in protest, submitting a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister through the Divisional Commissioner, demanding strict action against the CCF.
Allegations of verbal abuse and personal insults
The dispute reportedly arose during a discussion on land demarcation in the Rohania beat. It is alleged that CCF Pandey not only used abusive language but also made insensitive remarks about the ranger’s ailing son. Deeply hurt, officials and staff from the Shahdol forest range, under the leadership of the Forest Association, have called for a high-level investigation and disciplinary measures.
CCF denies allegations, cites corruption complaints
In response, CCF Ajay Pandey dismissed the allegations as baseless and driven by malice. He claimed the situation is being misrepresented and suggested that the protest may be a tactic to derail ongoing investigations. According to Pandey, several forest staff are under scrutiny for allegedly extorting money from farmers—complaints even raised by local MLA Manisha Singh to the Chief Minister.
A growing administrative crisis
What began as a dispute between two officials has now escalated into a full-blown administrative challenge. While forest personnel accuse their senior of misconduct, the CCF counters with claims of corruption within the department. The outcome now depends on how senior authorities navigate this sensitive and high-stakes situation.
