Question : SMUGGLING OF TIMBER

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn towards a news item captioned “Railway Driver Arrested” published in “The Sentinel” on December 30, 2002;

(b) if so, whether any departmental enquiry has been conducted by the Government to ascertain the allegation made in the said news item; and

(c) if so, the outcome of that enquiry alongwith action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI BANDARU DATTATRAYA)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Forest Department of Assam has registered a case against one Assistant Driver of N.F. Railway for violation of 24, 25, 40 and 41 of the Assam Forest Rule, 1891.

(c) The enquiry report has not been received from the Assam Forest Department.