Operation Vanaraksha: Two Forest Range Officers suspended following Vigilance probe into widespread corruption

Two Range Forest Officers have been suspended from service after the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) unearthed widespread corruption within the Forest Department during a statewide inspection under Operation Vanaraksha.

The suspended officers are Arun K Nair, Range Officer of Vallakkadavu, and Sibi K E, Range Officer of Thekkady. According to a preliminary inquiry report submitted by the Deputy Director of Periyar East Division, Thekkady, both officers were found to have violated departmental rules and procedures.

During the inspection conducted on September 27, investigators found that Arun had received ₹72.8 lakh from a contractor between June and September 2025. Additionally, at his instruction, the contractor transferred ₹1.36 lakh to a firm in Edappally. 

Arun later admitted to financially assisting the contractor to ensure the timely completion of various works and claimed he received the amount back after the bills were cleared.

Meanwhile, the same contractor deposited ₹31.08 lakh into multiple bank accounts linked to Sibi. He also received ₹1.95 lakh through UPI transfers from two other contractors, both directly and via intermediaries. 

However, Sibi told the inquiry officer that in urgent situations, he personally provided funds for departmental works and facilitated financial support to known contractors to meet tight deadlines. However, he maintained that none of the funds were deposited into his personal bank account.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Rajesh Ravindran, said that the allegations raised against the officers are serious and have dented the reputation of the government and the Forest Department. The officers were suspended based on the recommendation of the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Field Director, Kottayam.

During the time of suspension, the officers are eligible for livelihood allowance as per the laws.