Graft-tainted Ukhand forest official's reinstatement order revoked

Uttarakhand's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Jairaj has revoked his order reinstating an official facing a vigilance probe for alleged financial irregularities as the deputy director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR).

In an order dated June 11, 2018, Jairaj reinducted Kishan Chand, removed as deputy director of RTR 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 RTR.

Jairaj revoked his order four days later, after the matter was widely reported in newspapers, in a letter addressed to RTR Director Sanatan Sonkar. A copy of the letter is with PTI.

The PCCF 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.