Enforcement Directorate Initiates Probe into Alleged Tendering Irregularities in West Bengal Zoo Directorate

Acting on specific inputs, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a preliminary inquiry into purported tendering irregularities within the Zoo Directorate of West Bengal. The Zoo Directorate, falling under the jurisdiction of the West Bengal Forest Department, has come under scrutiny, with the ED focusing on the project reports (DPRs) associated with tenders floated by the Directorate.

Allegations suggest that outsourced agencies, involved in preparing the DPRs, also participated in the tender process using different identities, violating specified norms. Sources indicate that such irregularities might be linked to influencing top officials in the Directorate and the State Forest Department for personal gains.

The central agency is particularly attentive to an animal rescue center in the Sundarbans area, and it is also examining complaints from environmental activist groups regarding illegal resort creation and unauthorized tree cutting in forest lands. Jyotipriya Mallick, the current Forest Minister, is already in ED custody due to alleged involvement in a multi-crore ration distribution case.