Forest officer challenges transfer order

30-09-2011
Forest officer challenges transfer order
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Forest-officer-challenges-transfer-order/articleshow/10180887.cms

A forest officer has approached Gujarat high court challenging his transfer from Sasan Gir, allegedly at the behest of Congress MLA from Talala. Range forest officer (RFO) B R Parmar claimed that he was transferred earlier this month because his action to stop lion shows was not acceptable to local community.

Parmar filed a petition challenging his transfer from Gir to Rajkot and contended that he was transferred five times in the last two years.

He told the court that he was instrumental in putting a brake on lion shows that was going on in and around the sanctuary to attract and entertain tourists. Parmar claimed he took stern action in poaching cases which displeased local people.

They approached Talala MLA Bhagabhai Barad, at whose instance he was shifted to Rajkot earlier this month, Parmar said in his petition.

The forest officer told the court that the politician was not happy with his posting in Gir. During his earlier posting there in 2008, he tried to stop various illegal activities in the sanctuary and his actions infuriated Barad, who along with his supporters attacked him. A criminal proceeding in this regard has been pending, the forester has claimed.

After hearing allegations against the MLA, justice A S Dave decided to join Barad as a party respondent in the proceeding.

The next hearing in the case is on October 3.