Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)
Sullia, Nov 11: In a cold war between the forest department and the Subrahmanya sub-inspector of police Sharat Kumar, a tug-of-war of one-upmanship is gaining new twists day-by-day. While the general public are appreciative of the sincere efforts of the police officer for working hard to improve law and order situation in the area, the forest department officials, miffed at the seizure of smuggled timber trucks by the sub-inspector, are determined to teach him a lesson. They are supported by people affected by the anti-smuggling operations of the sub-inspector.
After succeeding in getting the statement of an accused in a timber-smuggling case video recorded, in which the accused had confessed to having paid bribe to forester Prashant Pai for smuggling out timber from the forest, the sub-inspector had sought permission from the forest department to register case against Pai. His request is kept pending.
In another case, the sub-inspector caught a load of timber but the forest department claimed that the concerned held licence to carry timber. The sub-inspector retorted by saying that 60 logs were being carried as against the 23 permitted.
As if in retaliation, Prashant Pai booked the sub-inspector on the allegation that he had found the police officer carrying wood unauthorized for making furniture. The sub-inspector vehemently denies the allegation. Prashant Pai said that he would arrest the sub-inspector after obtaining permission from higher ups or the court.
The citizens of Subrahmanya are clearly siding with the sub-inspector who has strengthened the law and order situation and stopped interference by vested interests in the department affairs. Sharat Kumar also is known to help common people. The citizens have through a signature campaign, asked the senior officials of the forest department to take disciplinary action against Prashant Pai, who they say, is creating unnecessary problems.