The Jharkhand High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of the investigation into the alleged large-scale illegal tree felling during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. Justices Sujit Narayan Prasad and Sanjay Prasad questioned the state government about the prolonged delay in completing the probe, particularly in cases handed over to the CID. The court highlighted that the CID inquiry seemed limited to the Panki area of Palamu district despite allegations of tree felling in multiple districts.
The petitioner’s counsel, Abhay Kumar Mishra, informed the court that the CID-led probe has been moving slowly since its initiation, with accusations of protecting the involved parties. In response, the court requested a comprehensive explanation from the state government regarding the potential existence of a broader conspiracy. The next hearing for this case is set for two weeks from now.
During a previous hearing, the state government disclosed the involvement of Forest Department officials and staff in the investigation, acknowledging chargesheets against two forest officials and an arrest warrant against another suspect. The CID is actively investigating two FIRs from Palamu district related to the illegal tree felling incidents. The High Court had earlier criticized the delays in the probe, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue and rejecting delays based solely on document requirements.
Allegedly, hundreds of trees were unlawfully felled across various Jharkhand districts, including Jamtara, Palamu, West Singhbhum (Chaibasa), and Ranchi, during the 2020 lockdown. The timber from the felled trees was reportedly transported using over 200 trucks. Subsequently, FIRs were lodged at different police stations, and the CID continues its investigation.
