Key Takeaways:

• Complaints allege illegal approval of timber sales from 11 community forests
• Total of 345,000 cubic feet of timber said to be sold through irregular permits
• CIAA seized documents; investigation ongoing; no arrests yet

DHANDGADHI, JULY 22 The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has conducted simultaneous raids at the Division Forest Offices in Dhangadhi and Pahalmanpur, launching an investigation into alleged irregularities in the approval of timber sales from community forests in Kailali. According to Chet Raj Bhatta, information officer at the CIAA's Kanchanpur office, the raids were carried out following complaints that the two offices had authorised the felling and sale of green khair trees in 11 community forests in violation of regulations. Investigators have seized relevant documents and begun a detailed inquiry into the allegations. The complaint alleges that under the Dhangadhi Division Forest Office, permits were issued to sell 186,000 cubic feet of timber from Bahrawan Collaborative Forest and 36,000 cubic feet from Kedareshwar Community Forest, totaling 222,000 cubic feet. Similarly, under the Pahalmanpur Division Forest Office, approvals were reportedly granted for the sale of 123,000 cubic feet of timber from nine community forests, including Chhatyun, Mohanyal, Jagatpur, Sadepani, Mainapokhari, Shivashakti, Gatishil, Janata and Ghodaghodi. The complaint claims that a total of 345,000 cubic feet of timber from 11 community forests in Kailali was authorised for sale through illegal procedures. CIAA officials said evidence is being collected and further investigation is underway. No arrests have been reported so far.