Thodupuzha: A forest range officer has been arrested for taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh to settle the case of deer antler recovery. Thodupuzha Forest Range Officer Libin John was arrested by Idukki Vigilance.
A piece of deer antler was found in the complainant’s house during a raid conducted by the Thodupuzha police on February 1 as part of Operation Kubera. After this was handed over to the forest, a case was registered against the complainant at Thodupuzha Forest Range Office. The range officer demanded that the case be mitigated and the arrest avoided and for that one lakh rupees and liquor. When the liquor was delivered to the range officer’s quarters in Muttom, he demanded another one lakh rupees immediately. When asked if the bribe amount could be reduced, the range officer insisted on Rs 1 lakh. The complainant then approached the vigilance and complained. The accused was arrested by a team led by Idukki Vigilance DySP Shaju Jose. The accused will be produced in court tomorrow.
