IDUKKI: One more officer under the Kizhukanam forest section in the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary has been suspended in connection with the incident in which a tribal youth was arrested in a fake case and beaten up in custody. Former Idukki Wildlife Warden Rahul B has been suspended pending investigation. He was earlier transferred to Thiruvananthapuram headquarters as per the order of the Minister of the Forest Department. The departmental action is continuing following an investigation into the incident. So far, seven forest officials have been suspended in the case.

The incident took place on September 20 within the limits of the Idukki Kizhukanam Forest Station. The Forest officials had taken Sarin Saji into custody on September 20 for allegedly trying to smuggle wild meat. The explanation given by the officials of the forest department was that they arrested Sarun during an inspection conducted at the Vanmavu check post after receiving secret information. Soon after Sarun's arrest, his family members and Adivasi organizations came out alleging that it was a fake case. After the Forest Minister directly intervened in the matter, the Head of the Forests Department was directed to investigate the matter and submit a report.

Serious lapses were found on the part of the officers during the preliminary investigation. Following this, Section Forest Officer Anil Kumar was transferred to the East Division under Periyar Range.