Panaji: Forest department today suspended its Range Forest Officer John Fernandes for his alleged involvement in destruction of over 450 areca nut trees in the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
The action comes soon after Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai took charge of forest department. Sardesai had last month visited the villagers of Verlem in Sanguem along with local MLA Prasad Gaonkar and had assured to take stern action against the officer involved in the crime.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Santosh Kumar in an order issued today has placed Fernandes under suspension pending disciplinary proceeding initiated against him in the matter.
Fernandes has been directed to report to Panjim head office and that he will not be allowed to leave the office without obtaining permission of PCCF.
