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49. In the present case, the misconduct alleged against the Petitioner is with regard to supervisory failure in ensuring payments before the eucalyptus plantation is lifted by the contractors. No allegations of mala fide intent or collusion have been made. Be that as it may, the principal amounts, including the amount payable towards Income Tax and VAT due to the Government, have been paid by the contractors at the time of the preliminary enquiries itself.

50. As per page 80 of the enquiry report, the Chief Conservator of Forests had submitted a report to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, wherein it is stated that the Accounts Officer had conducted audit of sale of Eucalyptus plantations in Eluru Division on 04.09.2017, 08.09.2017, 11.09.2017 and 02.12.2017 and prepared a special audit report. As per the said audit report, the amounts due to the Department were paid by the contractors and penal interest of Rs.22,78,067/- was due from the contractors. It is further stated that the Divisional Forest Officer, Eluru vide Proceedings dated 04.12.2017 had issued demand notices to the contractors for payment of the penal interests. The relevant portion of the enquiry report is extracted below;