Probe ordered into alleged involvement of commandos in illegal timber trade

From our Correspondent

DIGBOI September 23:  Following the sensatiol issue concerning the alleged involvement of commandos belonging to the Assam Police, temporarily attached to Philobari Police Station, in carrying out anti-environmental activities, including the felling of Hollong trees, the Tinsukia Superintendent of Police has ordered a departmental probe into the allegation.

“The inquiry is being conducted by DSP HQ Tinsukia to ascertain the exact ture of the act and the alleged involvement of the six armed commandos on duty in carrying out timber business in the Tarani Reserve Forest under Khatangpani Reserve Forest,” informed Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta, the Tinsukia SP. Categorically defying the allegations of the people that the commandos were involved into illegal log trading business, Mahanta said that commandos being new to the place could not handle the agitated mob effectively and  that might have resulted in commotion in the place. However, assuring appropriate legal and discipliry action against the alleged erring commandos based on the report of the inquiry, he denied the act as an act of smuggling.

What is more astounding is that the forest department is yet to book the persons or bring them under the preview of investigation to ascertain the exact ture of the act or the crime, whatsoever, if committed. Ironically, even in spite of the catching persons red-handed with the loaded Hollong species of timber into the trucks, the forest department seems to be waiting for orders from the State Forest Minister to initiate steps to this effect.   On the other hand, various organizations, including, AATASU, Chutiya and Moran student bodies, have been demanding immediate steps for the sake of protecting and conserving the already depleted flora kingdom in and around the Tarani Reserve Forest.