Graft-tainted official’s reinstatement order revoked

Rishikesh, June 19

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jairaj has revoked his order reinstating an official facing a vigilance probe for alleged financial irregularities as the Deputy Director of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

In an order dated June 11, 2018, Jairaj re-inducted Kishan Chand, removed as the Deputy Director of the reserve in November, as the Deputy Conservator of Forest, despite the official facing a vigilance probe.

According to rules, the post of the Deputy Conservator of Forest is held by the Deputy Director of the reserve. Jairaj revoked his order four days later in a letter addressed to RTR Director Sanatan Sonkar. 

Jairaj said in his letter that he issued the orders for Chand’s reinstatement not knowing that the official was facing a vigilance probe.

Chand’s reinstatement order had sparked outrage among the department’s officials. They termed the PCCF’s decision to attach Chand to the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden a violation of the state government’s order that removed him from the twin posts. — PTI