Chikkamagaluru Forest Officer Suspended for Selling Fake Tickets

In Chikkamagaluru, a deputy range forest officer (DRFO) has been suspended for allegedly selling duplicate tickets to visitors at Bandaje Falls and Ballarayana Durga. Chandan, the officer in question, is accused of duplicating tickets worth ₹25 lakh over the past two years.

According to Koppa Deputy Conservator of Forests L. Nandish, Chandan used old online tickets to create duplicates and sold them to visitors. Despite the online ticketing system being managed by the eco-tourism board, which allows 200 people per destination, Chandan reportedly blocked online ticket holders and forced them to buy fake tickets from him.

The scam came to light after social media complaints, leading to a departmental inquiry. An assistant conservator of forests verified several tickets and found three duplicates. The funds were traced to a woman’s account. Chief Conservator of Forests Upendra Pratap Singh ordered Chandan’s suspension following the investigation.

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