Six forest officials suspended over illegal tribal cultivation in Jawadhu Hills

A corruption investigation into land management practices in the Jawadhu Hills has resulted in the suspension of six forest department officials on charges of facilitating illegal agricultural cultivation. The officials are accused of permitting farming activities outside designated areas in exchange for bribes, according to preliminary findings from the inquiry.

The investigation identified unauthorized cultivation spanning over 1,000 acres within the forest region. According to the probe, the suspended officials allegedly promised tribal communities formal title deeds to the cultivated land, a practice that directly contravenes the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which establishes clear protocols for land tenure and resource use rights.

The inquiry has documented involvement of between 600 and 700 tribal cultivators in the unauthorized farming operations. Authorities are examining the extent to which these communities were misled regarding the legitimacy of the promised land rights and whether alternative resolutions can be pursued in line with statutory provisions.

The suspensions mark an escalation in efforts to address governance lapses within forest administration in the region. Officials have indicated that further action, including potential criminal proceedings, may follow completion of the investigation.