Forest Department Files FIR Against Three Over Neem Tree Cutting In Hathras

Neem trees cut on government land in Sasni, forest sub-inspector accused of taking ₹35,000 bribe

The cutting of neem trees on government land in the Sasni area of Hathras has caused a stir in the Forest Department. About 15 neem trees are reported to have been cut in the matter. Serious allegations have also been raised about the alleged involvement of Forest Department officials and employees.

The Forest Department has lodged an FIR against three people, including a contractor, at Sasni Kotwali in connection with the tree cutting. The case has brought renewed attention to the role of those associated with the department, although the allegations of bribery have not been independently confirmed.

Forest sub-inspector Trupti Agrawal has been accused of taking a bribe of 35 thousand rupees. It has also been reported that the farmer concerned claimed to have given the money. Following these allegations, questions are being raised about the functioning of the Forest Department.

There are also demands for an impartial inquiry into the role of the department’s officials and employees. The inquiry is expected to clarify the circumstances in which the trees were cut, the people responsible and the facts related to the bribery allegations.

District Forest Officer Rakesh Chandra Yadav gave information that 11 trees had been cut in the case. Acting on the matter, the Forest Department filed an FIR at Sasni Kotwali against three people, including the contractor.

However, different claims have emerged regarding the number of trees cut. While about 15 neem trees are said to have been cut, the District Forest Officer has stated that 11 trees were cut. The complete position will become clear only after the investigation.

Forest sub-inspector Trupti Agrawal has rejected the allegation that she took a bribe. She described the accusations as baseless. She said that an FIR had been filed in the matter and that action was being taken according to the rules.

Ranger Amit Mohan Gaur has also rejected the bribery allegations and called them baseless. He said that a fine had been sought from the farmer concerned because more trees had been cut than the prescribed limit.

According to the ranger, the allegations of taking a bribe were made in connection with that action. His statement places the demand for money in the context of the action over the cutting of trees beyond the prescribed limit.

The matter has intensified after allegations of cutting green neem trees on government land and allegations of bribery were raised. A demand is now being made for an impartial investigation into the role of Forest Department officials and employees.

The investigation will have to establish the facts related to the tree cutting, identify those responsible and clarify the truth behind the allegations against the forest sub-inspector. For now, there has been no independent confirmation of the bribery allegations. The actual position will become clear only after the investigation is completed.