A Forester-II serving under the Jorhat Forest Division in Assam has been suspended after an alleged audio conversation, purportedly indicating misconduct, surfaced on social media and prompted departmental action.
The suspended official has been identified as Montu Hazarika. An office order issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Jorhat Division, stated that Hazarika has been placed under suspension with immediate effect pending departmental proceedings. The action was taken under the Assam Services (Disciplinary & Appeal) Rules, 1964, on allegations related to involvement in corrupt practices.
According to sources, the viral audio clip came to the notice of Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, who directed the department to initiate appropriate action. Acting on the Minister’s instructions, the Divisional Forest Officer issued the suspension order.
As part of the suspension, Hazarika’s headquarters has been shifted to the Mariani Range Headquarters, where he has been instructed to report without delay.
The order further states that he will receive subsistence allowance and other admissible benefits in accordance with the applicable rules while the departmental inquiry remains in progress.
