51 Walnut trees cut: Tehsildar, several other officials suspended for negligence in Shopian

Srinagar: Authorities have suspended several officials — including Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar, Patwari, Lumberdar and Chowkidar — for failing to take any action against unauthorised cutting of 51 walnut trees in south Kashmir district of Shopian.
Official sources on Saturday said that Deputy Commissioner Shopian Dr Owais Ahmad has suspended Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar, Patwari and Lambardar of Keegam tehsil. “It has come to the notice of undersigned that 51 (fifty-one walnut trees) have been unauthorizedly cut down in village Keegam some days back and the Tehsildar Keegam remained salient about the matter and did not bother to inform the undersigned or take any action the miscreants,” the order issued by Dr Owasi read.
The Tehsildar Keegam, the DC said, showed negligence towards performing his legitimate duties. “The Tehsildar stands transferred vide Govt. Order No. 35-Rev (Gaz) of 2019 dated:- 07, 03, 2019 as Tehsildar Headquarter with Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal but till date, he has not joined his new place of posting and is still continuing his duties as Tehsildar Keegam,” it said.
In the above backdrop, the order said that Tehsildar Keegam Showket Ahmad has been placed under suspension with immediate effect and Tehsildar Kidder is directed to look after the routine works of tehsil Keegam in addition to his own duties till the incumbent joins his duties.
Meanwhile, another order said that Naib Tehsildar, Patwari , Lumbarar and Chowkidar of Keegam have also been placed under suspension with immediate effect and attached with digitization section of DC office Shopian. Moreover, Station House Officer Keegam was directed by the DC to lodge FIR against the culprits.
A police official said police has registered a case and initiated investigation into the incident.