Bengaluru: The controversy over the recovery of the high-value Peenya Plantation land from Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) has escalated, with the Karnataka Forest Department recommending suspension of senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer R Gokul. This follows the surfacing of a letter he wrote to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in December 2024, alleging victimisation by the state government.
Sources in the department revealed that Mr Gokul’s direct communication with the CBI has been deemed an act of misconduct, prompting the Forest Minister’s formal recommendation for his suspension.
₹14,000 crore Value
The high-profile case surrounding the alleged illegal denotification of Peenya Plantation land – valued at over ₹14,000 crore – has deepened, as Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer R Gokul faces suspension following a letter he wrote to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Letter to CBI Sparks Controversy
In a letter dated December 26, 2024, addressed to the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch, Gokul – who is a prosecution witness in multiple illegal mining cases, including the infamous Belekeri port case – expressed concern that he was being unfairly targeted by the department.
“The notice issued to me appeared in almost all the papers on November 12, 2024, even before I could receive a copy… I am being framed for a scam in which I have not done anything wrong,” he wrote. Gokul, who had earlier recommended a CBI inquiry in the iron ore scam involving Congress MLA Sathish Sail, claimed that he was being singled out for his past actions.
The Peenya Plantation Controversy
Gokul was among four senior officials served notices in 2024 for filing what was deemed an “erroneous” interlocutory application before the Supreme Court. The application sought permission to denotify 443 acres and 6 guntas of Peenya Plantation land, considered crucial “lung space” in Bengaluru.
The Forest Department alleged that the move was taken without prior Cabinet approval. However, in his defense, Gokul stated that he had merely followed written instructions from the government.
Forest Department Pushes Back
Sources from the Forest Department indicated that the Forest Minister issued written directions as early as September 24, 2024, to initiate action against officials connected to the Peenya land application.
In addition to Gokul, notices were also issued to–
- Sandeep Dave, retired IAS officer and former Additional Chief Secretary
- Vijay Kumar Gogi, retired IFS officer and former Principal Secretary
- Smitha Bijjur, senior IFS officer
A departmental inquiry has been initiated against one of the officers, and Gokul’s suspension has been formally recommended.
Allegations of Reputational Damage
In his letter, Gokul raised serious concerns about the public nature of the notice against him. He alleged that the leak to the press before he received the official document caused “irreparable damage” to his reputation. He also questioned the intent behind the government’s actions, hinting at a vendetta linked to his prior anti-corruption role in the Ballari mining scandal.
“I am not sure what is in store for the future… Prima facie, it appears I am being victimised,” he wrote.
Call for Independent Probe
Gokul’s letter concluded with a request for the CBI to investigate the motivations behind the notice and media coverage, arguing that he had not engaged in any personal wrongdoing.
As of now, no official response has been provided by the Forest Minister’s office despite repeated attempts. However, insiders indicate that the government views Gokul’s outreach to the CBI as an unauthorised act, warranting disciplinary action.
