Assam trader files case against forest ranger in Karimganj over alleged extortion and threats

A case has been registered in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate against Haider Hussain, the Sadar Ranger at the Forest Department. The case was initiated following allegations made by Altaf, a local land trader, who accused the ranger of failing to repay a Rs 1 lakh loan and engaging in coercive practices.

According to Altaf, he had been utilizing a piece of land in compliance with forest department regulations for an extended period. However, following Haider Hussain’s appointment as Sadar Ranger, the situation took a troubling turn. Altaf claims that Hussain began to harass land traders, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

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The controversy escalated when, in May, Haider Hussain allegedly solicited a loan of Rs 1 lakh from Altaf, ostensibly for his wedding. Altaf asserts that he was compelled to hand over the sum to a man named Mukid in Badarpur under duress. When Altaf approached Hussain for repayment two months after the wedding, the ranger allegedly refused to return the money and even threatened to falsely implicate Altaf in a legal case if he persisted.

With no other recourse, Altaf filed complaints with the PCF, CM Vigilance, and the Chief Minister's office in Guwahati, seeking justice. He has now formally registered a case against Sadar Ranger Haider Hussain, accusing him of extortion and intimidation in an effort to recover the Rs 1 lakh loan.

Haider Hussain has so far refrained from commenting on the allegations. The case is expected to shed light on the serious accusations against the forest department official, as the legal proceedings unfold.