Bargarh: Tension has surfaced in the forest department in Odisha's Bargarh after a group of frontline staff went on mass leave, alleging harassment and corruption against the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).

As many as 72 forest guards and foresters working under the Bargarh forest division have proceeded on mass leave, demanding the transfer of the DFO.

According to them, the DFO has been subjecting staff to mental, physical and financial harassment. They alleged that the officer frequently uses abusive language during official meetings, publicly reprimands employees and threatens them with transfers.

The protesting staff also claimed that funds required for fieldwork are not released on time despite instructions to carry out duties. They further alleged that the officer intimidates them by citing links with ministers and legislators.

One of the most serious allegations is that the DFO has been demanding a 50 per cent commission from staff. The protesting employees staged a sit-in demonstration to press their demands.

However, Bargarh DFO Saroj Kumar Panda has denied all the allegations, calling them baseless. He said the accusations are being made because some employees are unwilling to perform their duties properly.

“I have never used abusive language or demanded any commission from anyone,” he said, adding that he is ready to accept any decision taken by the government.

The officer also maintained that most staff remain on duty and only a section has gone on leave.