4 officials suspended for ganja cultivation

BANGALORE: Former law minister MC Nanjaiah revealed in the Legislative Council that ganja is being cultivated in reserve forest areas of Virajpet taluk in Kodagu district.“This organised crime is taking place in connivance of the forest department officials. I dare you to take action,” Nanaiah said, while adding that smuggling of timber was also rampant in the reserve forests of Virajpet on Tuesday.Replying to the issue, Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar said that the government has suspended four department officials, including an RFO in Kodagu district, for alleged smuggling of timber and other valuable trees.