DRFO caught in ticket sale fraud at Chikkamagalur waterfalls

CHIKKAMAGALURU: The Kalasa Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) has been suspended for cheating the government by selling fake online tickets at Ranijhari waterfalls and Bandaaje Falls. The suspension order of DRFO Chandan Gowda was issued after the fraud came to light during an investigation.

Chandan Gowda allegedly transferred government Rs 9,000 to his girlfriend’s through PhonePe. Preliminary investigation revealed that lakhs of rupees were deposited into Monica’s account.

Over 200 tourists were denied entry to Bandaaje Falls due to unavailability of tickets, but were later allowed inside. The fraud was detected after being checked by police.

There was no mention of tourists who had booked tickets online in June in the registration book, raising suspicions of fake ticket printing and cheating.

Koppa DFO Upendra Pratap Singh suspended Kalsa DRFO Chandan Gowda on the charge of forgery in issuing tickets to tourists.