Guwahati: Assam’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Mahendra Kumar Yadav has been removed as Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) amidst allegations of misusing Tiger Conservation Fund (TCF) and fudging rhino census figures in Kaziranga National Park.
Sandeep Kumar, PCCF (Wildlife and Bio-diversity), has been given the charge of CWLW with immediate effect.
Yadav has been asked to hand over the charge to Sandeep Kumar.
The move comes after reports emerged that TCF funds were used for non-permissible works in KNP, including during former President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to the park.
Additionally, there were allegations of massive trafficking of captive elephants without microchips or with freshly installed ones during Yadava’s stint.