Dehradun: In the case of illegally operated snake venom collection center in village Khanjarpur of Roorkee, MP and founder of People for Animals organization and former MP Maneka Gandhi has raised questions on the role of the Forest Department. She has written a letter to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, ADG Vigilance. She has asked to suspend Haridwar DFO, SDO in the matter as well as remove them from the department. In the case, the government has sought a report from the Chief Forest Conservator Wildlife. On September 10, the forest department team raided Roorkee and seized 70 cobras and 16 Russell vipers. The permission to operate this center had expired in December 2023. In the letter sent by MP Maneka Gandhi in this matter, it is said that the DFO, SDO of Haridwar Forest Division were earlier informed about the center, but no action was taken. The collection center operator absconded with venom and its related records. The letter said that this is not a small matter. This is a case of extreme corruption in the forest department. He has demanded the suspension of DFO, SDO, alleging collusion with the operator. Apart from this, an investigation of the property of DFO has also been demanded.
