Agartala, Sep 19 (TIWN): A forester was sent to short term suspension for allegedly involved in the embezzlement of project fund in Department of Forest, Khowai.

As per the report, an amount of Rs 1.70 lakh was allotted for a project under Department of Forest at Gopal Nagar of Tulasikhar block in Financial Year 2012-13. The amount was allotted in two phases, Rs 85000 in each phase.

Forester Nilamani Debbarma was given the liability of the project. In 2014, the local laborers under MGNREGA came to know that they would be given only two days payment from the MR for them deposited in the bank sparking resentment among the NREGS laborers.

Considering the issue, they gheraoed the Panchayat officials twice demanding payment of wages to them according to MR. Out of Rs 1.70 lakh, an amount of 85000 was deposited and the rest 85000 could not be traced. As per the direction of higher authority, the sub division administration submitted a report against Forester Nilmani Debbarma remaining under the liability of the project. On the basis of the report, the forester was suspended for a short term.

Investigation is going on the basis of the report submitted by sub division administration. It is worthy to mention here that the project was supposed to be implemented in 5 hectares land received by 55 beneficiaries under lease. The project includes mango plantation, pineapple plantation, bamboo and maize plantation. The project work under the allotment in 2012-13 FY has not yet accomplished. Questions were raised among the beneficiaries, when the project work would be accomplished?