THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Action may be taken against three officials of the Forest Minister's office in the incident of suspending a forest officer who investigated complaints related to a female employee. It is learnt that the intelligence department has submitted a report to the Chief Minister detailing the role of three personal staff members of the minister's office behind the suspension of Forest Flying Squad Range Officer VS Ranjith. Meanwhile, moves for a compromise have also been initiated. There are indications that a senior official in the minister's office has submitted his resignation. The resignation has not been accepted.

Action was taken against the range officer who investigated 12 complaints related to the female employee. There were 14 complaints against her. She was found guilty in ten of these. Action was taken against the range officer after the department received this report. First, he was transferred to Wayanad. The range officer approached the Administrative Tribunal and obtained a stay. Later, the lady forest department employee approached the Women's Commission with a complaint of mental harassment in the name of the investigation. The Women's Commission directed to conduct an investigation and take appropriate action.

APCCF assigned a team led by Dr. P Pugazhendi to investigate based on this. People in the office of Minister AK Saseendran say that VS Ranjith was suspended along with this, pending investigation. However, no action has been taken against DFO Heeralal and Southern Region CCF Neethu Lekshmi, who are mentioned in the Women's Commission's order. This is why high-ranking officials pointed out that there was undue interference from the Forest Minister's office.
Although the order was to be issued by the Additional Principal Conservator, he withdrew. It was issued later via the Additional Chief Secretary. This is the allegation of undue interference.