Guwahati, Jul 5: A forest department official in Assam has been suspended after an audio clip of him purportedly demanding money from a dumper truck owner to operate illegally surfaced on social media, an official said.
According to an office order, Divisional Forest Officer of Jorhat, Montu Hazarika, has been suspended with immediate effect for allegedly indulging in corrupt practices.
He has been asked to report to Mariani Range headquarters.
The action was initiated after a telephonic conversation, purportedly of the officer seeking money from a dumper owner to allow unauthorised activities, went viral on social media.
The authenticity of the clip was not verified by PTI.
“Sources said the audio clip came to the notice of Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, who directed the department to take immediate action,” a forest department spokesperson said.(PTI)
