GUJRAT, July 18: The DCO ordered a probe into illegal chopping off trees by a forest department contractor on Shadiwal-Qiladar Road-Mohla Road area, it was learnt here. Sources alleged the EDO (agriculture) was showing leniency in taking action against his subordinates and the contractor involved in the scam. The action was taken by DCO Chaudhry Saadat Ali after a news item regarding the ‘scam of Rs2 million trees illegally chopped off’ was published in Dawn on July 15.

Sources said the DCO had summoned EDO (agriculture) Shahid on July 15 and asked the latter about the matter. The EDO informed the DCO that some five fallen trees were spotted by the guard on Shadiwal-Qiladar Road.

They quoted him as informing the DCO that the labour of contractor Rasheed had removed the fallen trees from the site while the guard did not bring the matter to the notice of highups.

The DCO directed the EDO to probe the matter. At this, the EDO suspended guard Ahmad Shah and initiated the probe.

Sources further said the EDO was allegedly patronizing the contractor, district forest officer Moazam and block officer Azhar for he was reluctant to take action against them.

They quoted the EDO as allegedly assuring the contractor and others that he would implicate the suspended guard in the scam.

The EDO was not present when this correspondent contacted him by phone. The EDO, however, told another journalist the other day that all allegations against him were baseless. He said the inquiry was being conducted on merit while action would be taken against all those found involved in the scam.