Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Kerala (VACB) has unearthed financial irregularities in a raid conducted at the offices of forest development agencies and eco-tourism centres in the state. 

An inspection drive codenamed 'Operation Jungle Safari' revealed that entry fees at Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation in Thekkady went to staff's Google Pay accounts. Furthermore, boat rental fees and earnings from local shops were found to be transferred to staff's bank accounts. 

VACB officials also uncovered several dubious financial transactions in the Google Pay account of a Section Forest Officer, who handles the matters of the Forest Development Agency in Kottayam. Meanwhile, the official seals and numbers were found missing from the receipt issued by the Anamudi Forest Development Authority. Additionally, products were sold without receipts at Eco-Tourism Development Agency shops in Eravikulam National Park and Vanashree counters in Athirapally.

The Forest Conservation Committee of Meenmutty Waterfalls in Wayanad retained the Rs 23,307 obtained in sales in 2022. Meanwhile, a sum of Rs 13,910 was found missing from the Tholpetty Eco Development Forest Conservation Committee. Additionally, the Forest Conservation Committee's bank account in Kallar has a shortage of Rs 35,500 for November.