Departmental inquiry ordered into forester’s alleged suicide amid bribery claims

Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), Sept 23: The alleged suicide of forester Sanjay Nayak has sparked a significant controversy, prompting the Odisha government to initiate a departmental inquiry. According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Devidutta Biswal, an officer of the rank of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) is currently conducting the investigation into Nayak’s death.
The inquiry follows the discovery of a suicide note indicating that Nayak blamed Rayagada DFO Debendra Kumar Behera for his decision to take this extreme step. Nayak’s family, including his wife Priyanka Subudhi and brother, have accused Behera of pressuring Nayak to pay bribes, which they claim drove him to suicide.
Priyanka Subudhi alleged that her husband faced ongoing mental torment, with demands for bribes amounting to Rs 20,000-30,000 each month from various departmental projects. She expressed her belief that this constant pressure led to his tragic decision and is now seeking justice for her husband. PCCF Biswal assured that strict action would be taken if evidence supports the family’s claims.