Ranchi, April 20 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of investigation into large‑scale illegal tree felling reported in various districts of the state during the Covid‑19 lockdown in 2020.

The court directed the state government to submit an updated status report within two weeks.

During the hearing, the state government informed the court that the involvement of forest department officials, including range forest officers, rangers and forest guards, had come to light during the probe.

The government said charge sheets have been filed against two forest officials, while an arrest warrant has been issued against another accused.

The matter was heard by a Division Bench headed by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad. In compliance with earlier directions of the court, the Additional Director General, CID, and the investigating DSP, CID, were present in person during the proceedings.

The court expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in the investigation and noted that the case has been pending for several years. The state government submitted that the probe was affected and delayed due to the involvement of forest department personnel.

The court, in the previous hearing, had made strong remarks after finding the responses submitted by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Director General of Police (DGP) unsatisfactory. The Bench had orally observed that a six‑year delay in the investigation was a serious matter and could amount to contempt of court.

The High Court had also stated that merely citing non‑availability of documents was not sufficient, particularly when the CID had been directed to conduct a prompt and effective investigation.

Taking a firm stand, the court had earlier directed the ADG, CID, and the investigating officer to appear in person with all relevant documents on April 20.

According to the petition, hundreds of trees were illegally felled during the lockdown in 2020 in several districts, including Jamtara, Palamu, Chaibasa and Ranchi, and were transported out of the state in more than 200 trucks.

Following the revelation, FIRs were registered at the concerned police stations, and the CID is currently conducting the investigation.

–IANS

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