An application under RTI has exposed how an officer of Indian Forest Services (IFS) of Jammu and Kashmir cadre, Praveen Kumar Raghav (IFS:2000:J & K), got himself deputed to Uttar Pradesh and later indulged in large scale illegal mining in forest areas in Bijnore. After an enquiry set up against him following a RTI query revealed large scale illegal mining, departmental proceedings against the officer has been recommended and a charge-sheet has also been handed over to him. However, so far no action has been taken against him and only some of his junior colleagues have been suspended. Last year, a RTI application was filed against the officer that he was patronizing illegal mining in the forest range under his jurisdiction. Later the SIC ordered an enquiry into the matter by Forest Conservator of Moradabad. After the shocking findings, Forest Conservator of Moradabad issued a show cause notice to Raghav seeking his explanation on illegal mining. However, Raghav did not deem it fit to file a reply. Later the inquiry officer recommended departmental proceedings against the DFO and also stern action against him. Besides Raghav, action was also recommended against then Deputy Divisional Forest Officer, Harendra Singh, Forest Inspectors - Komal Singh, Hridesh Singh and VK Goel, and Forest Ranger Dinesh Kumar Goyal, as they too were found to be in cahoots. Komal Singh, Hridesh Singh and VK Goel were also suspended.