Thandi Choi Scam: A Year of Inaction, Is Forest Department Shielding Corrupt Officials?
- Despite an inquiry report and the attachment of Range Officer and other personnel, no concrete action has been taken against any official involved in the Thandi Choi forest scam, even after a year.
- Jammu Jottings’ attempts to seek clarification from senior Forest Department officials, including the Commissioner Secretary Forest, who directed us to Roshan Jaggi, PCCF, but he did not pick the phone and then we approached CCF Ramesh Kumar, who said he is too busy to answer such queries.
- The continued inaction fuels public outrage and suspicion of a cover-up, raising concerns about the department’s commitment to fighting corruption and protecting forest resources.
- The Thandi Choi scam serves as a critical test for the Forest Department: Will they punish the corrupt officials involved and reclaim the encroached land, setting an example of accountability, or will they continue to shield the culprits, further eroding public trust?
jj correspondent
Akhnoor, June 25: Over a year has passed since the Thandi Choi forest scam was exposed, revealing a deep-rooted network of corruption within the Forest and Revenue departments. Despite an inquiry report and the attachment of Range Officer and other officials, no concrete action has been taken against any official involved.
Jammu Jottings has repeatedly attempted to seek clarification from the Forest Department regarding the lack of progress in the investigation. However, officials have been evasive, deflecting responsibility and offering vague assurances. Commissioner Secretary Forest, when contacted, directed Jammu Jottings through a message to contact Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Roshan Jaggi, for details, but PCCF did not pick the phone and the PCCF remained unavailable despite repeated attempts to contact him. Similarly, the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) when approached through phone and physically claimed to be too busy to address the queries.
This inaction raises serious questions about the department’s commitment to fighting corruption and protecting valuable forest resources. The Thandi Choi scam, involving the illegal felling of thousands of Khair trees, was meticulously orchestrated by a network of corrupt officials, as detailed in a complaint filed by social activist Atul Sudan in March 2023 (letter No. FST-PCB/7/2021-02). His complaint exposed the involvement of a Range Officer, other officials including Tehsildar Kharah Balli who blatantly disregarded environmental regulations and Supreme Court directives for personal gain.
Despite the overwhelming evidence and public outcry, the Forest Department has failed to take any concrete action, leading to widespread suspicion of a deliberate cover-up and a culture of impunity within the department. The Thandi Choi case has become a symbol of the department’s double standards, protecting powerful individuals involved in illegal activities while readily targeting the poor and marginalized for minor infractions.
The public demands a swift and decisive response from the Forest Department. Will they finally take action against the corrupt officials involved and seize the illegal felled Khair wood, or will the Thandi Choi scam remain a testament to their failure to protect the environment and uphold the law? The public awaits answers and justice.
