Sting Operation: Silchar Divisional Forest Office turns into a bar at night; DFO assures action

The government appoints rangers and other forest officials. They are deployed in shifts to ensure that the forest land and wildlife are under the close watch of trained individuals round the clock. Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Cachar Forest Division is one such important office responsible for the forest land wildlife in its jurisdiction. Miscreants and poachers get active at night and so, rangers on night duty are urged to be proactive in the dark.

But, the Silchar Divisional Forest office turns into a bar at night. On duty officials on the government’s payroll switch off their vigilance mode to submerge in the party mood. While so long it was just a rumour, Barak Bulletin’s sting operation exposes the dark secrets inside the Silchar Forest Office.

In a room next to the Protection Ranger’s Office, man in uniform Dhurobojyoti Purkayastha and surveyor on duty Soumya Kanti Sinha (Rana) were seen consuming alcohol. Sibohori Sinha, protection ranger cum Silchar Sadar Incharge – Ranger was also under the influence of alcohol, however, he moved away from the room and sat on his table pretending to work. There were more than three empty glasses suggesting there were more than three.

When the officials saw media, they tried to snatch the camera. Some of them were hiding under the truck while a few officials just kept running.

Sibohori Sinha, protection ranger cum Silchar Sadar Incharge – Ranger was asked about the activities in the room adjacent to his office. He said he had no clue about it. When asked how is it possible that despite holding such an important portfolio, he has no clue about what was happening in his office? He hardly had anything sensible to share.

The office runs on taxpayers’ money. It has an obligation to the society and Divisional Forest Officer, Tejas Mariswamy condemned the act. “In the office premises it is definitely not allowed. Will take appropriate action on this matter,” assured DFO Cachar.

There is no problem in adults consuming alcohol and they are well within their rights to do so. The question is, is it fair usage of taxpayers’ money if a government office is turned into a bar and officials on duty submerge themselves in alcohol.