Srinagar, Sep 21, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has placed Sajad Ahmad Khan, Range Officer Grade-I and in-charge Divisional Forest Officer (DFO)/Agrostologist, Kashmir, under suspension with immediate effect pending an inquiry into his conduct.
According to Government Order No. 267-JK(FST) of 2026, issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment on September 21, the action has been taken under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, reported news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
The order, issued following a communication from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests/HoFF, J&K dated September 5, describes the matter as “grave misconduct” by Khan.
During the period of suspension, Khan will remain attached to the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests/HoFF, J&K, the government order said.
The government has also ordered that Dr. Mehraj Ahmad Sheikh, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), in-charge DFO Urban Forestry, Srinagar, shall hold the additional charge of DFO, Agrostologist, Kashmir, alongside his existing duties until further orders.
The order has been issued by Sheetal Nanda, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department.
The government order does not specify in the document the nature or details of the alleged misconduct, stating only that the suspension has been ordered pending an inquiry into Khan’s conduct. (KDC)
