GUJRAT: At least 22 trees worth around Rs1 million have illegally been cut and sold on the orders of a doctor, in charge of Chechian Shamas Basic Health Unit.

On being informed of the incident, Gujrat Assistant Commisioner Bilal Zubair, along with the district health officer (DHO) and officials of forest department and police, paid a surprise visit to the BHU and found the logs lying there.

Following an initial inquiry conducted by the team led by the AC, a formal complaint was lodged with the Daulat Nagar police against the doctor and his accomplices for criminal proceedings against them.

Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case against nine suspects, including BHU in charge Dr Zoonash Faryad, dispenser Ghulam Meeran, security guard Mudassar and others who cut and purchased the trees that were the government’s property.

The case is registered under sections 379 and 409 of PPC on the report of Dr Usman Naeem, deputy district officer, health.

As per police, the initial investigation revealed that the 22 trees were sold for Rs900,000 without any permission.

Police claims that the suspects involved in cutting and purchasing the trees have been arrested.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024