The state government has suspended Deputy Conservator of Forests (DFO) Sivananda Nayakwadi from the Gokak Wildlife Division, an IFS officer, for allegedly disrespecting an MLA. Raibag BJP MLA Duryodhana Aihole filed a complaint, bringing the issue to the notice of the Forest Minister and senior officials. Following an investigation, Sivananda Nayakavadi has been suspended.
The Raibaga field is within the Gokak forest sub-division, where MLA Duryodhana Aihole addressed various concerns, including afforestation in the constituency. A dispute arose between them concerning the undisclosed implementation of certain projects to the MLAs. During this period, there were accusations of the DFO verbally abusing the MLAs, and the audio of their verbal altercation circulated widely.
A forest department official has spoken in a way that raises questions about the rights of an MLA. MLA Duryodhana Aihole has cautioned that the matter will be brought up in the House if action is taken against him.
Given the circumstances, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in the Karnataka Forest Department requested details from senior officials in Belgaum regarding the accusations against Gokak DFO. As a result, the DFO has been suspended, and Belgaum DFO SK Kallolikar has been assigned the responsibilities of the Gokak division, according to sources from the Forest Department.
