Allegations of Corruption and Intimidation Surrounding DFO Shama Farooqui in Chhattisgarh’s Mungeli District
In a recent incident in Chhattisgarh’s Mungeli district, allegations of bureaucratic misconduct have surfaced involving DFO Shama Farooqui. The case revolves around the DFO’s alleged demands for massages, home rations, and children’s toys at the expense of a ranger. When the ranger requested reimbursement for the costs, DFO Farooqui reportedly became angry and resorted to threats of suspension. The ranger, in response, has filed a written complaint with the local police, accusing DFO Shama Farooqui of bullying and threatening to suspend him, even implicating the Forest Minister.
According to the complaint lodged on June 17, 2023, by ranger Fekuram Laskar at the Kotwali police station, he had been purchasing ration items, meat, chicken, fish, children’s toys, curtains, and carpets for the DFO’s residence, amounting to approximately Rs 90 per week. Moreover, he had paid Rs 12,000 for the services of a masseuse named Chandrakumari Patre, explicitly hired for DFO. The ranger claims to have spent a total of around Rs 1,02,000. Despite numerous requests, DFO allegedly failed to reimburse the ranger, leading to his demand for the money owed.
DFO Farooqui’s angry reaction ensued, threatening the ranger with immediate suspension and warning of potential retirement complications or fabricated legal entanglements. Fekuram Laskar is set to retire at the end of June, and fears being implicated in a false case due to the DFO’s threats. Consequently, the ranger filed a written complaint at Kotwali police station, demanding an FIR against DFO Shama Farooqui for embezzlement, verbal abuse, threats, and falsification of documents.
It is worth noting that DFO Shama Farooqui has been associated with previous controversies and in a prior posting in Katghora, Korba district, a female employee of the DFO Bungalow accused Farooqui of withholding salaries for several months. Additionally, allegations of corruption arose concerning forest management during the elephant’s death within the Katghora forest division. It remains to be seen whether appropriate actions will be taken or if the lower-ranking employee will be made a scapegoat. Only time will reveal the outcome of this situation.
