Kerala govt. absolves two forest officials in Aralam LPG distribution case following Vigilance probe

The Kerala government has exonerated two suspended forest officials who had been accused of procedural lapses in a 2017 gas connection distribution scheme for 195 tribal families in Aralam, Kannur.

A Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) inquiry had initially flagged irregularities in the implementation of the project intended to provide LPG connections to below poverty line (BPL) tribal households in the Aralam tribal rehabilitation area. The probe had found procedural violations in both the selection of beneficiaries and the empanelment of the gas agency entrusted with the distribution of connections.

It found that an amount of ₹6.46 lakh meant for providing 195 LPG connections had been transferred to the gas agency by April 11, 2017. However, only 99 connections had actually been distributed by June 22, 2018, though official records allegedly reflected that all 195 connections had been provided.

'Official position misused'

The Vigilance officials alleged that the then Assistant Wildlife Warden Madhusoodanan had misused his official position and, with the assistance of officials, including Deputy Range Forest Officers Vijith C. and Maqsood C.P., facilitated the release of the entire payment to the agency without following prescribed procedures. The probe also found that false entries had been made in Eco Development Committee stock registers to show that all gas connections had been provided.

Based on the findings, the VACB Director had recommended strict disciplinary action against Mr. Vijith and Mr. Maqsood, along with the recovery of ₹54,740.50 (along with 18% interest) from Mr. Madhusoodanan who has since retired from service.

The two officials in their written explanations submitted to the government denied any wrongdoing. They maintained that the beneficiary selection and appointment of the gas agency had been handled by higher authorities and that they had only acted on instructions from the then Assistant Wildlife Warden.

Delay by gas company

They also stated that the LPG equipment had been kept at the agency godown as storing large numbers of gas cylinders and stoves on the forest office premises posed safety risks. They added that the delays in providing LPG connections were due to technical and procedural delays on the part of the gas company and not because of any deliberate misconduct by department officials.

During a hearing held on February 18, the officers reiterated that the allegations against them were unsustainable. Subsequently, the government concluded that although there had been lapses in following procedural formalities and delays in providing the LPG connections, delay had also arisen on the part of the gas agency. Besides, it was found that all BPL applicants in the tribal rehabilitation area eventually received the connections and that no financial loss had been caused to the exchequer.

As a result, the government ordered the closure of disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Vijith and Mr. Maqsood. However, the proceedings initiated against Mr. Madhusoodanan for recovery of the alleged loss amount will continue at the government level.