Ramban, Feb 22 (KNS): The Forest Division Ramban has registered a new First Information Report (FIR) against Mr. Aqeel Ahmed Ganai, an individual already facing trial in a separate forest damage case.
Official sources confirmed that the fresh legal action follows allegations of misconduct, intimidation, and assault against forest department officials.
Ganai was previously booked under FIR No. 57 of 2025 at Police Station Gool, and the case is currently under trial in the court of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Ramban.
According to officials, despite the pending case, the accused continued to file repeated complaints against officers of the Forest Range Gool. In response, the department constituted an inquiry committee and summoned him to the Gool Camp Office to verify his allegations.
During the inquiry, the accused allegedly behaved in a disorderly manner, used abusive language, and reportedly manhandled a government officer on duty inside the office premises. The inquiry team subsequently conducted a field inspection of the site mentioned in his complaint. Officials stated that none of the allegations were substantiated during the physical verification.
When confronted with the committee's findings, the accused allegedly became aggressive once again and reportedly assaulted the concerned officer in the field, thereby obstructing him from carrying out his official duties.
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The department further alleged that the individual attempted to extort money from concessionists under the pretext of issuing a “Jammu Notice,” unlawfully demanding payments that disrupted the department’s functioning.
Following the incident, the matter was reported to Police Station Gool. Police officials arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody. A written complaint was filed via Office Memorandum No. 894/GR dated February 19, 2026, leading to the registration of FIR No. 08 of 2026 under relevant sections of the law.
The Divisional Forest Officer, Ramban, reiterated the department’s commitment to enforcing forest laws and stated that any attempt to intimidate or obstruct government officials in the discharge of their duties would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
The department has also appealed to the general public not to be misled by unverified allegations and to cooperate in the collective effort to protect forest resources. (KNS)