Officials Suspected of Financial Ties to Contractors Exposed in Kerala Forest Operations

A recent investigation by the Kerala Forest Department (VAC) – part of Operation Vanaraksha – uncovered a potential network of financial relationships between forest officials and contractors operating within the state’s forest regions. The probe revealed instances of irregular payments and potential conflicts of interest. VAC’s Statewide raids across 71 forest range offices resulted in the identification of these connections. Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting contractors were incentivized to secure contracts and receive preferential treatment, raising concerns about transparency and the equitable allocation of resources within forest management. The investigation is ongoing.

Credits: News: Today’s News update from The Hindu | The Hindu