Guwahati, May 4 -- Reported by Farhana Ahmed

North Lakhimpur: The recent red-handed arrest of a forest official in Assam's North Lakhimpur while allegedly accepting cash as a bribe has exposed the functioning of the Lakhimpur Forest Division.

Shivasish Sandilya, the Forest Range Officer of North Lakhimpur, was caught on May 2 while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 12,000 from a vehicle owner involved in transporting sand and other minerals.

A victim has come forward alleging long-standing corruption in the Lakhimpur Forest Department. Indrajit Morang, alias Michael, a quarry permit holder, has accused the district forest department of rampant corruption and malpractice.

According to Michael, despite having valid permits for sand mini...