Umaria, Madhya Pradesh: The world-renowned Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is making headlines—not for its tigers, but for allegations of large-scale financial irregularities and fraud. Deputy Director Prakash Kumar Verma faces serious charges, including misuse of his position to favor select firms and obtaining employment using a fake caste certificate.
The Allegations
Social activist Sushil Levi lodged a detailed complaint with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, alleging financial irregularities, illegal mining, and misuse of government resources for personal gain. The matter is scheduled for a hearing today, January 20, 2026.
The allegations include irregular expenditure of ₹4–5 crore out of a development fund of ₹16 crore, embezzlement through fictitious bills, and unauthorized use of government resources. Further scrutiny will cover illegal night safaris in protected areas and reports of missing wildlife.
Fake Bills Linked to Private Firms
According to the complaint, companies such as N.H. Industries and Mahalaxmi Traders were allegedly used to generate fake bills to siphon government funds. The accused, Prakash Kumar Verma, reportedly has personal and familial ties with the proprietors of these companies. Evidence cited includes a wedding invitation naming both Mrs. Kiran Verma and Prakash Kumar Verma as senders, establishing a close personal connection.
Illegal Mining Allegations
The complaint also claims that a private Bolero vehicle owned by N.H. Industries’ Neeraj Tiwari was used for official work without a proper contract, with a monthly rental of ₹20,000 and diesel provided by the tiger reserve. Additionally, sand and soil used for construction were reportedly procured without royalty payments or transit permits, violating Madhya Pradesh mining regulations. Allegedly, sand and soil were illegally mined from rivers and streams within the reserve.
Unauthorized Night Safaris
The complaint raises concerns about night safaris conducted in restricted areas, which could have endangered tigers and other wildlife. These incidents are critical to investigating the disappearance of certain animals from the reserve.
Investigation Ordered by Senior Officials
Given the gravity of the allegations, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the head of the Forest Force in Madhya Pradesh have ordered an inquiry. The Madhya Pradesh State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, will conduct the investigation at 4 PM today. All concerned officials have been directed to appear with relevant documents. The complainant’s contact details were missing in the initial complaint, and authorities have stated that he will be informed of the proceedings once identified.
RTI and Caste Controversy
Activist Santosh Kumar Dwivedi revealed that he had filed an RTI request on January 17, 2025, seeking caste-related information about Prakash Kumar Verma, which was not provided despite an appeal. He has now filed an appeal with the Madhya Pradesh State Information Commission.
Meanwhile, discrepancies in caste documentation have raised suspicions. While Prakash Kumar Verma’s elder brother, a retired clerk from Indore CCF office, is listed as ‘General’ caste, Verma’s caste is recorded differently. This has led to allegations that he may have secured employment using a fraudulent caste certificate.
Response from the Deputy Director
Prakash Kumar Verma has stated that anyone can make allegations, but facts will emerge during the investigation. He affirmed that he will respond to all charges during the inquiry and insisted that the truth will come to light.
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