Tripura Congress MLA Birajit Sinha on Saturday leveled serious allegations of financial irregularities and administrative misconduct against the Forest Department in Kailashahar, claiming that procurement procedures worth nearly Rs 1 crore were carried out in violation of government norms.

The allegations were made during a press conference organized by the Unakoti District Congress Committee at the Kailashahar Congress Bhavan. The event was attended by Unakoti District Congress President Mohammad Badruzzaman, Congress leader Rudrendu Bhattacharjee, and other party leaders.

Addressing reporters, Sinha alleged that the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) of Kailashahar had recently invited offline tenders for the purchase of various items valued at around Rs 1 crore and awarded contracts to selected contractors without following the prescribed government procurement procedures.

According to the MLA, the process was conducted in a manner that violated established rules and lacked transparency. He said that after the matter came to light, a written complaint was submitted by Congress worker Bir Chandra Sinha to the District Forest Officer and the Chief Conservator of Forests. The complaint seeks cancellation of the supply orders and demands an impartial investigation into the role of the concerned SDFO.

Sinha also raised several other concerns regarding the functioning of the Forest Department. He alleged that illegal soil extraction from the Manu River has been continuing for a long time in various parts of Kailashahar, while the department has failed to take effective action to stop the activity.

Additionally, he claimed that several furniture shops in the northern part of the town are allegedly conducting illegal business using valuable timber, and questioned the department’s monitoring and enforcement measures.

As of the time of reporting, no official response has been issued by the Forest Department regarding the allegations.

Emphasizing the need for accountability, the Congress MLA said that a fair and independent investigation is essential to ensure proper utilization of public funds and the protection of forest resources. He expressed hope that the concerned authorities would promptly examine the allegations and take appropriate action based on the findings.