Shimla, April 19 -- Himachal Pradesh revenue minister on Saturday ordered fresh inquiry into the charges of illegal money collection linked to eco-tourism in the Kotgarh forest range after an internal inquiry cleared the field staff, senior officials of all charges.

The inquiry, conducted under the direction of the divisional forest officer (DFO), Kotgarh-who is himself named in the complaint-concluded that funds collected from eco-tourism activities in the Kotgarh forest range were "duly scrutinised and found to be in order," with no evidence of misappropriation.

"If an accused officer was involved in the inquiry process, it would be against principles of natural justice. The matter would be examined and appropriate action ensured," sa...