This Assam case is honestly not small thing ah,because when forest officials themselves get accused in money collection linked to sand transport,public trust takes direct hit . And on June 20,Assam Government finally showed action against two forest officials .
Whole issue came from Khopnikuchi area under Hajo Forest Range,where local residents reportedly accused Range Forest Officer Pranjal Barman of demanding payments from vehicles carrying sand . Now sand extraction already creates enough environmental tension,and on top of that if illegal money collection enters picture,then situation becomes more ugly .
Reports say eyewitnesses claimed Barman was taking payments through digital platforms like Google Pay . That part feels even more strange,because digital trail is not invisible . Still,allegations suggest money was being collected openly enough for locals to raise voice.
And after these complaints came up,Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah ordered immediate departmental action . Pranjal Barman was transferred out from current post with immediate effect,while Forester Imtiaz Ahmed was suspended after facing serious corruption charges linked to illegal practices.
Few things standing out clearly here:
- Action was taken against two forest officials on June 20 .
- Pranjal Barman was accused by locals of demanding payments from sand transporting vehicles .
- Allegations included digital payments through Google Pay .
And tbh,this is where bigger problem shows up . Illegal sand extraction is already damaging for rivers,land and local communities,but when officials meant to control it are accused of being involved,then common people start feeling system itself is compromised .
Departmental inquiry will now look into full extent of alleged corrupt activities . That part is needed,because transfer and suspension are first steps only . Real question is whether inquiry actually finds how deep this network went and who else knew about it .
At same time,this action by Jayanta Mallabaruah does send message that Assam Government wants to show zero tolerance towards corruption in forest department . But people have heard such lines many times before,so now they will watch what happens after inquiry .
Because if local residents had to complain about payments,Google Pay and sand vehicles,then clearly something was already happening on ground for some time . And that is the uncomfortable part… how many such places are still running quietly without anyone speaking?
