Adversitement
Enforcement Directorate Raids Locations Linked to Former Uttarakhand Minister in Forest Scam Allegations
Published On : 2024-02-07T12:00:48+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
Home
Law and Order
Politics & Governance
Harak Singh Rawat in Uttarakhand
India / Uttarakhand :
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched raids at multiple locations in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand as part of an investigation into an alleged forest scam case linked to former Uttarakhand Minister Harak Singh Rawat. Sources revealed that Rawat, along with some departmental officers, faces serious allegations of involvement in illegal tree cutting and construction within the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) under the Tiger Safari Project during his tenure as the state forest minister.
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) reported that over 6,000 trees were illegally cut in the Corbett Tiger Reserve, surpassing the permitted 163 for the Pakhru tiger safari. However, the state forest department disputed the FSI's findings, citing technical issues that need resolution before accepting the report.
This isn't the first time Rawat's properties have come under scrutiny. Earlier raids by the Uttarakhand Vigilance Team uncovered misuse of government funds, with two generator sets purchased with public money found at private locations belonging to Rawat.
Vigilance Chief V Murugesan confirmed that properties raided, including the Doon Institute of Medical Sciences in Shankarpur and a petrol pump in Chhiddarwala, are linked to Rawat's son. Murugesan stated that investigations revealed the misuse of government funds, with further inquiries ongoing into the matter.
When asked about Rawat's involvement in the misuse of government funds, Murugesan refrained from confirming, citing ongoing investigations. The latest vigilance operation, ordered by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, underscores the commitment to unraveling alleged financial irregularities and ensuring accountability in public office.
The raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the forest scam allegations, signaling intensified efforts to uphold transparency and combat corruption within government institutions.
Source : Enforcement Directorate
Tags : Enforcement Directorate , corruption allegations , misuse of government funds , raids , forest scam , Uttarakhand , Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami , Harak Singh Rawat , vigilance team , Tiger Safari Project ,
Summary : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at various locations in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand in connection with an alleged forest scam case involving former Uttarakhand Minister Harak Singh Rawat. Rawat and some departmental officers face accusations of illegal tree cutting and construction within the Corbett Tiger Reserve under the Tiger Safari Project during Rawat's tenure as the state forest minister. This isn't the first time Rawat's properties have faced scrutiny, as earlier raids by the Uttarakhand Vigilance Team uncovered misuse of government funds. The latest operation, authorized by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, underscores the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
Adversitement