Forests in Khowai district continue to be plundered by timber smugglers, while allegations of inaction and collusion hang heavy over the local forest department.
On Tuesday night, police intercepted a vehicle loaded with illegal timber and arrested three individuals, including the driver.
According to police sources, officers from Baijalbari outpost received a tip-off about timber smuggling along National Highway-208. Around midnight, a Bolero pick-up (registration number TR01AL1913) was spotted at Belfang naka point. When signalled to stop, the vehicle attempted to speed away recklessly. Police gave chase and managed to block it near Baijalbari police station.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of around 80 feet of valuable timber of various species. The vehicle and the seized timber have since been handed over to the Padmabil Forest Department for further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, three persons including the driver have been taken into custody.
The incident has once again spotlighted rampant illegal felling in Khowai’s hilly forest belts. Residents and activists allege that large-scale smuggling is being carried out in connivance with a section of forest officials and guards, causing rapid depletion of forest resources.
Police have assured further investigation into the smuggling network, while calls grow louder for stricter monitoring and accountability within the forest department.
