Tree-felling at Mullaperiyar: Centre seeks explanation on suspension of Bennichen Thomas, writes to chief secretary

IDUKKI: The central government has asked the reason for the suspension of Chief Wildlife Warden Bennichen Thomas in the tree felling at Mullaperiyar. The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests directed to produce the documents, in the letter to the chief secretary.

The permission of the centre is required to suspend an IFS officer. However, that did not happen, the ministry of environment clarified that the suspension of Bennichen Thomas was known through the media. The letter has demanded to produce the documents related to the suspension and the matters that led to the suspension.

Meantime, government sources said the suspension need not be informed to the centre in advance and should be reported within three months only if there is a need to extend the suspension.

The order said Bennichen Thomas was suspended for failing to hold necessary discussions at the government level and for failing to follow the procedures. IFS officials had come forward opposing the move. The order was issued with the knowledge of many including water resources department additional chief secretary T K Jose and the officer was indeed made a scapegoat, claimed the association.