You are the Range Forest Officer (RFO). In your division, Forest guards intercepted a vehicle carrying what was suspected to be illegally felled timber. But an altercation broke out and in the melee that followed, five tribal villagers who were inside the vehicle and a forest guard were killed.

Topic: Case Study

7. You are the Range Forest Officer (RFO). In your division, Forest guards intercepted a vehicle carrying what was suspected to be illegally felled timber. But an altercation broke out and in the melee that followed, five tribal villagers who were inside the vehicle and a forest guard were killed.

Tension brewed in the aftermath of the incident, with a forest office being burnt down by angry villagers as well as some vehicles in the vicinity. It was alleged that timber that was being carried was legitimate and the forest guards demanded bribe for it and that’s how the altercation started leading to the violence.

It has become a major national issue and National Commission of Scheduled Tribes has asked for an immediate report from you. There is immense media pressure as well for the RFO to take immediate appropriate action.

1. 1. As the RFO, what are the options available to you in this situation? Discuss their merits and demerits.
   2. What option will you chose? Justify.
   3. What can be done to prevent such incidents from happening in the future?

Difficulty Level: Tough

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study.

Body:

In the body, Write about the various options available to you and their pros and cons.

Next, write about the option you will take in the above scenario and justify ethically.

Next, write about your suggestions to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the importance of transparency and accountability in above such cases.