Published On : Sat, May 30th, 2015

ACB searches Nagpur forest officer, recovers Rs 19.25 lakh

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dcp-forestNagpur: Nagpur Deputy Conservator of Forests Deepak Bhatt was subjected to a search on Friday by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) sleuths who recovered Rs 19.25 lakh from him.

ACB sleuths led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjay Purandare searched Bhatt (52), an Indian Forest Service Officer, while he was boarding a bus to Pune with a bag containing the cash, a press note issued by ACB said. “Bhatt had reportedly taken money from many forest guards and officials for managing their transfers to their desired places,” the press note added.

Asked if the money was the same Bhatt was accused of taking from guards and foresters, Purandare told media, “It will be verified during investigations. If any connection is found, we will take necessary action against Bhatt.”

Asked if Bhatt was arrested or detained, Purandare said, “No.” Bhatt was in the news recently for his controversial report that said there was no tiger presence in an area 40 km from Nagpur where a proposed explosives unit was sought to be located.

His report contradicted facts on the ground. Few years ago, a tigress was rescued from a well at a village falling within the same area.