COIMBATORE: The incident where an assistant conservator of forests allegedly slapped a forest guard and three watchmen belonging to the Anamalai Tiger reserve (ATR) on Sunday for not wearing their uniform while on duty, took a new turn on Tuesday, with green activists voicing their support for the conservator, alleging that the incident was fabricated at the behest of the timber mafia.
Tamil Nadu Green Movement leader K Mohan Raj said that V C Rahul was a forthright officer who had exposed many irregularities at ATR, since he joined his post last month. "Rahul was investigating the large scale felling of trees in Ullandi forests. The whole story of him slapping his subordinates and using foul language to reprimand them was fabricated with the intention of keeping him away from the investigation, making way for the felling to continue," he said.
More than 250 protesting forest guards and an equal number of anti-poaching tribal watchmen have temporarily stalled their protest and rejoined duty on Tuesday after Rahul was sent on leave, as directed by senior officers. "We have temporarily shelved the protest because Rahul was asked to go on leave. If
no action is taken against him, the protest will continue,'' said TN forest staff association president M Nazeer.
When contacted, Rahul explained that he committed no crime and the entire episode was fabricated. I am going on leave to help my senior officials handle the situation effectively. However, I am clear about my stand and there will be no question of rendering an apology. I am ready to face the case in court,'' he said over phone.
S Jayachandran, leading environmentalist and secretary of Nilgiris Wildlife and Environment Association, demanded a through probe into the whole issue as the allegations have been leveled against an honest officer with a keenness to protect wildlife. Rahul is a teetotaler and vegetarian. It is quite absurd that the guards are accusing him of attacking his subordinates under the influence of alcohol. He is on officer of integrity who put a stop to forest guest houses and outposts being used for liquor consumption. A high level investigation is essential to put a stop to all the irregularities plaguing the ATR," he said.
Meanwhile, sources in ATR told TOI that the guard who filed the complaint against Rahul was suspended on two occasions for dereliction in duty. He and the watchmen were not in uniform when Rahul visited the outpost at Vedikaranpalayam near Valparai-Pollachi Highway and they were sleeping on the floor instead of discharging their duties.
