Panaji: A forest department official in Goa has lodged a police complaint against State River Navigation Department Minister Subhash Phal Desai, alleging his involvement in the transportation of soil from an iron ore dump located within a reserve forest area in Kushavati district.
In a complaint filed at the Quepem Police Station on Saturday, Kurdi Range Forest Officer Sonia B. Rane alleged that the minister and his supporters obstructed forest officials from taking action against what she described as illegal activities being carried out in a government forest area at Colomba village in Sanguem taluka.
According to the complaint, forest officials detected the clearing of vegetation, excavation work and transportation of soil from government forest land bearing Survey No. 105 of Colomba village. The activities were allegedly carried out using two excavators and four trucks.
The complaint stated that forest personnel initiated action after noticing the operations in the reserve area. Further investigation into the matter is expected.
