Forest dept official arrested for misappropriating funds of over Rs 6.6 lakh at Nrupatunga Hills

HUBBALLI: A first division assistant (FDA) of the Forest Department has been arrested for allegedly misappropriating funds over the last one year and using it for personal use. The money was collected from the public towards park entry fee at the Nrupatunga Hills.

The FDA, Vishwanath Mahajan, had allegedly pocketed more than Rs 6.6 lakh over a period of one year. As per rules, the money is supposed to be deposited with the government within 24 hours in the Karnataka Grameen Vikas Bank account. However, despite this, none of the senior officers had taken any action, leading to suspicion of their involvement, sources said.

After the misappropriation came to light, Vishwanath was reportedly pressured to deposit the money instead of lodging a complaint, and a notice was issued to him. When he refused to pay up, the Forest Department officials lodged a complaint with the Ashok Nagar police station, the sources said. Vishwanath is currently being questioned by the police.

Range Forest Officer R S Uppar said, “Vishwanath was working regularly and the issue came to light after he was transferred. Now, we have reported to our higher-ups and lodged a complaint with the police. He had been posted on deputation from the divisional office. In February, he was transferred to the Dharwad division office.

The Nrupatunga Hills park attracts visitors from Hubballi and neighbouring districts and the funds collected is utilised for upkeep of the park. The entry fee for adults is Rs 20 while it is Rs 10 for children.