Guwahati, Aug. 22 -- The Assam government's claim of suspected "large-scale irregularities" in the disposal and auction of seized red sanders has come under serious question, with a Forest department report submitted to the government itself showing that the entire bidding process was carried out through a series of government approvals and prescribed procedures when M.K. Yadav was the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF).

The irony is hard to miss: MK Yadav, who was at the helm of the Forest Department when the red sanders disposal process was initiated, approved and taken forward, is now the Special Chief Secretary of the same department that has ordered a fresh examination of the auction record...