Nabarangpur: The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Nabarangpur, has placed Forester Bipin Kumar Harijan under suspension in connection with alleged unauthorised felling of eucalyptus trees and suspected illegal monetary transactions.

According to an office order issued by DFO Udayan Subuddhi, IFS, the action was taken following prima facie evidence of unauthorised felling of eucalyptus trees along the Deobandha-Jamadarpada Road.

The department also referred to a report submitted by the in-charge Forest Range Officer (FRO), Jharigaon, through Memo No. 608 dated August 31, 2026, which reportedly contained circumstantial evidence concerning an alleged illegal monetary transaction involving Harijan while he was serving as Forester of the Mohara Section under Jharigaon Range.

The department had earlier issued a show-cause notice to Harijan through Memo No. 5119 dated August 1, 2026, seeking his explanation over the alleged irregularities.

However, the DFO said the reply submitted by Harijan was found unsatisfactory and that the matter indicated serious irregularities.

Consequently, exercising powers under Clause (a) of Sub-rule (1) of Rule 12 of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962, the DFO placed Harijan under suspension with effect from the afternoon of September 18, 2026, pending framing of charges and initiation of departmental disciplinary proceedings.

During the suspension period, Harijan's headquarters have been fixed at the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Nabarangpur Forest Division. He has been directed not to leave the headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority.

The order further states that Harijan will be entitled to receive a subsistence allowance in accordance with Rule 90 of the Odisha Service Code during the period of suspension.

Harijan is currently posted as Forester of Maidalpur Section under Dabugam Range and was earlier serving in the Mohara Section under Jharigaon Range.