Garhwal Post Bureau
ALMORA, 28 Mar: The Vigilance Establishment Sector of Nainital, Haldwani, successfully conducted a trap operation resulting in the red-handed arrest of Naveen Nautiyal, son of Govind Prasad, who is currently serving as a clerk and forester at the Jageshwar Forest Range Officer’s establishment. The accused, a resident of the Forest Quarters at Panuwanoula Outpost, was apprehended while accepting a bribe of Rs 25,500 from the complainant, Jai Prakash. The illegal gratification was allegedly demanded in exchange for the renewal of registration for the year 2026 and the clearance of pending bills related to the extraction and transportation of resin.
A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, as amended in 2018, identified as Case Number 03/2026. The investigation has also named Jageshwar Forest Ranger Ashutosh Joshi as another accused in the matter. The Vigilance Department has confirmed that statutory legal proceedings against Joshi will be initiated in accordance with the established rules and regulations to ensure a thorough inquiry into the corruption allegations within the range office.
