Assam: Huge Cache of Timber Confiscated by Forest Department

HATSINGIMARI: The officials of the Forest Department of the state of Assam carried out an operation against illegal timber-related businesses in the state, leading to the capture of a huge cache of costly timber from different parts of the South Salmara Mankachar District of the state.

Following the instructions from the Assam chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, a massive operation against illegal sawing mills and timber traders was undertaken by the Dhurbri Forest Division. The Divisional Forest Officer of Dhubri led this operation which took place on Friday. Large quantities of sal and Burmese teak were seized by the officials during this operation which has a high market value.

The officials also seized three mechanical saws used in illegal sawing mills during this operation. But they were unable to catch any of the miscreations involved in the trade of illegally fell timber of high value.

In a significant operation conducted by the forest department in Assam's Chirang district, a substantial consignment of illegally transported timber was intercepted, leading to the apprehension of two Bhutanese nationals. Emerging reports highlight the successful operation, which unfolded along the Indo-Bhutan international borders in the Chirang district. On Thursday evening, the forest department executed a meticulously planned operation at Dadgiri, situated along the border.

The mission, triggered by actionable intelligence from informants, proved fruitful as officials managed to seize a pick-up van conspicuously adorned with a Bhutanese number plate. The vehicle was found to be transporting a sizeable quantity of smuggled timber.

The forest department's intervention was orchestrated by officials from the Runikhata range in Chirang, who swiftly responded to the provided inputs. Their on-site investigation uncovered a Bolero pick-up vehicle, bearing the registration number BP 1D 1618, loaded with illicit timber.

Simultaneously, the operation led to the detention of two Bhutanese nationals, identified as 30-year-old Bheem Bahadur Rai and 28-year-old Rajen Rai. The detained individuals were found in close proximity to the smuggled timber-laden vehicle. Subsequently, the seized Bolero pick-up, along with the confiscated timber and the apprehended Bhutanese nationals, was transported to the Kajalgaon Forest Division for further processing.

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