Muttil tree felling: Controversial transfer of officers was without informing forest chief

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The transfer file of four IFS officers, including NT Sajan, the officer accused in the Muttil tree felling case, was allegedly handed over to the forest minister without informing the forest chief PK Keshavan. Top officials of the department did this through secret measures.

Although the government considers the recommendation of the forest chief in the transfer/appointment of IFS officers, forest chief Keshavan was not informed of the transfer of these four senior officials. The forest chief was informed only when he received a copy of the transfer order.

If IFS officers are to be transferred before completing two years, the opinion of the officials must be heard by convening the Civil Services Board. There is a practice in the forest department to not transfer officers who haven't completed two years of appointment, unless for unavoidable reasons or disciplinary action. The four high-ranking official, who was transferred, have not completed two years in office.

Nothing unusual about the order

The Forest Minister's Office said all but except a chief conservator, others were deputy conservators who were given charge. They are given charge by the Department of Public Administration, the appointing authority. The government has the power to transfer and there is nothing illegal about it. As the chief forest officer is not an appointing authority, his recommendation may not be accepted by the Public Administration Department.