Controversy over top appointment of Forest Department, questions raised on the name of ‘Shubharanjan Sen’

BhopalThe controversy regarding the appointment of new Chief of Forest Force (PCCF) in the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh is deepening. Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey has written a letter to the Chief Minister demanding reconsideration of the proposal of making 1991 batch IFS officer Shubharanjan Sen the forest force chief. Dubey has said in his letter that in view of the alleged controversies and complaints related to Sen’s tenure, an independent and impartial inquiry should be conducted before his appointment. He argues that transparency and accountability should be paramount in sensitive matters related to wildlife conservation.

Reference to wildlife hunting cases

The letter mentions alleged record deaths of tigers, leopards, elephants and other protected species between 2024 and 2026. Referring to allegations like destruction of evidence in the case of tiger poached in Balaghat and alleged wrong reporting in the black buck case in Narmadapuram, it has been said that questions were raised on the process of monitoring and legal action in these cases. Dubey says that these incidents have raised questions on the functioning and credibility of the forest department. He has demanded that these cases should be reviewed impartially before appointment to the top post.

Objection to administrative postings

It has also been alleged in the letter that some officers were kept posted at one place for a long time, transparency was not maintained in service extension and financial sanctions. The functioning of the Tiger Strike Force and lack of monitoring in matters related to international trafficking have also been described as a serious issue. Apart from this, questions have also been raised on the granting of special permission for filming in protected areas and other administrative decisions. Referring to the Prime Minister’s ‘zero tolerance towards corruption’ policy, Dubey has demanded a fair and independent investigation from the state government.

Awaiting government’s response

There has been no official response from the Forest Department yet in this matter. Sources say that the appointment process is under consideration at the government level. These questions raised regarding the appointment to an important post like Forest Force Chief can further intensify the political and administrative debate in the coming days. Now it has to be seen what stand the government takes on these allegations and what decision is taken in the appointment process.