Maharashtra: Palghar forest guard alleges threat after refusing to delete video of mangrove sapling removal

Rajendra Shelar - a forest department guard allegedly seen removing the mangrove saplings. Pics/By Special Arrangement

A forest guard in Palghar has alleged that she was threatened by a Forest Department official after refusing to delete footage that purportedly shows a staffer in plain clothes removing mangrove saplings in Chikhla village. The allegation has prompted a police complaint and an inquiry by the Forest Department.

Video at centre of complaint

Forest Guard Shital Vide, posted at the Chikhla beat under the Mangroves Forest in Palghar district, filed a complaint at Gholvad police station on October 6 against Forest Department official Rajendra Shelar, alleging that he threatened her over the footage. According to her complaint, Vide recorded a video on October 6 at Gat No. 214/7/2 in Chikhla village. The footage allegedly shows a person in plain clothes, identified by her as a Forest Department staffer, removing young mangrove saplings planted on the plot. Vide alleged that she was asked to delete the footage at around 11.55 pm. She said she refused and retained the video.

Guard seeks protection

The complaint names four other people who were allegedly present during the incident and includes their mobile phone numbers. Vide has offered to hand over the footage to police for investigation. She has also expressed concern for her safety and sought police intervention and necessary action.

Forest Department orders inquiry

A Mangrove Cell official said, "We have received a complaint regarding the matter. I have directed the concerned Range Forest Officer to investigate the allegations and submit a report. Further action will be decided based on the findings of the report."

What the complaint alleges

Location: Gat No. 214/7/2, Chikhla village, Palghar
Date of complaint: October 6
Police station: Gholvad
Complainant: Forest Guard Shital Vide
Person named in complaint: Forest Department official Rajendra Shelar
Allegation: She was asked to delete footage and threatened after refusing
Evidence: Video footage retained by the complainant
Next step: Inquiry by the concerned Range Forest Officer