Nabarangpur, Sept. 19 (UDN): The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Nabarangpur has suspended a forester following allegations of unauthorised tree felling and financial irregularities during his tenure in a forest section under Jharigaon Range.
Bipin Kumar Harijan, currently posted as Forester of Maidalpur Section under Dabugam Range and formerly in charge of Mohara Section under Jharigaon Range, was placed under suspension with effect from the afternoon of September 18, 2026.
Alleged Irregularities in Tree Felling
According to the suspension order issued by Nabarangpur DFO Udayan Subuddhi, IFS, a preliminary assessment found apparent irregularities relating to the unauthorised felling of eucalyptus trees along the Deobandha-Jamadarpada road.
The action followed a report submitted by the officer-in-charge of Jharigaon Range through Memo No. 608 dated August 31, 2026. The report reportedly contained circumstantial evidence concerning the alleged unauthorised activities as well as evidence relating to a suspected monetary transaction involving Harijan during his tenure as Forester of Mohara Section.
Show-Cause Reply Found Unsatisfactory
The Forest Department had earlier issued a show-cause notice to Harijan through Memo No. 5119 dated August 1, 2026, seeking his explanation over the alleged irregularities.
The department said his response was not found satisfactory and prima facie indicated serious procedural irregularities.
Based on the findings, the DFO invoked Rule 12(1)(a) of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962, and placed Harijan under suspension pending framing of charges and departmental disciplinary proceedings.
Headquarters Fixed at DFO Office
During the suspension period, Harijan’s headquarters have been fixed at the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Nabarangpur Forest Division.
As per the order, he cannot leave the headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority. He will be entitled to subsistence allowance in accordance with Rule 90 of the Orissa Service Code.
The departmental proceedings will determine the charges and any further action in the matter.