Motihari, Jan. 2: Forest personnel posted at the Ganauli range of Valmikinagar Forest Reserve were found violating forest department rules yesterday. Angry over the officials’ conduct, residents in the area raised slogans against them, said a report today.

Reports from Valmikinagar said the forest employees not only violated the forest rules under their ranger, P.K. Sinha, in daylight, but also indulged in acts considered prohibited under the Forest Act.

This happened in spite of forest department personnel warning people in public places over the microphone against celebrating the New Year’s Day inside the forest.

Provisions of the Forest Act do not permit the use of horn, fire, sound system, weapon or musical instruments inside the forest, but the New Year celebrations inside the Ganauli range, stood out because of an orchestra show and female dancers. Forest officers also arranged a feast in the jungle, which was attended by some affluent people.

Despite repeated efforts, Ganauli range forest ranger P.K. Sinha could not be contacted for comment.