Six forest officials suspended over alleged Rs.1 crore bribe from tribal residents

Six forest officials have been suspended for allegedly collecting around Rs.1 crore in bribes from tribal residents near Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai district, promising to provide pattas for government-owned forest land.The officials allegedly collected Rs.5 lakh each from several tribal residents in Jamunamarathur, Melmattu and Nadanur villages bordering the Jawadhu Hills. They reportedly threatened the residents with legal action if they failed to pay the money.
Based on complaints, it was alleged that the officials had threatened tribal residents in more than 30 villages and collected around Rs.1 crore in total.
Following the complaints, Tiruvannamalai District Forest Officer Sudhakar ordered the suspension of six officials identified as Prabhu, Suresh, Senguttuvan, Muthu, Arunagiri and
Subramani.
Departmental action will also be initiated against the suspended officials, officials said.