Guwahati: Masharraf Hussain Choudhury, a Forest Ranger formerly on deputation to Kulsi Range under Kamrup West Division and currently in charge of Khanapar Wildlife Range under Guwahati Wildlife Division in Assam, has been dismissed from service following a departmental inquiry into charges of financial misconduct.

As per a notification, the Governor of Assam, exercising powers under Rule 7(vii) of the Assam Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1964, imposed the penalty of dismissal, which also disqualifies Choudhury from future government employment, alongside ordering the recovery of Rs 15,08,103 in misappropriated funds.

The disciplinary action stems from a show cause notice issued on February 10, 2022, accusing Choudhury of illegally withdrawing and misappropriating government money for personal gain and dereliction of duty. In his defence statement submitted on February 25, 2022, Choudhury denied the allegations. However, an inquiry report, submitted on January 30, 2023, found the first charge of "illegal drawal and misappropriation of government money for wrongful personal gain" partially proven, while the second charge of "dereliction of duty and putting criminal obstruction in running government office and work" was deemed unproven.

The report was shared with Choudhury on March 15, 2024, inviting his representation. In his response on April 2, 2024, he continued to refute the findings.

Despite his denial, the Disciplinary Authority, after consulting the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)—which endorsed the decision on July 31, 2024—concluded that the severity of misappropriating Rs 15,08,103 warranted stringent action. The final order highlighted the "serious nature of the offence" and mandated both Choudhury’s dismissal and the recovery of the pecuniary loss caused to the state government.

The decision marks the closure of a nearly three-year-long departmental proceeding that has drawn attention to issues of financial accountability within Assam’s forest administration.