Ganderbal, Jan 7: The Forest Department Jammu and Kashmir, in coordination with the Ganderbal Police, seized a vehicle carrying illegally transported timber during a late-night checking operation in Wussan area of Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, officials said on Tuesday.
Officials said the action was taken following specific and credible inputs received by the territorial forest staff. A joint naka and checking operation was conducted late Monday night involving the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force and local police teams.
During the operation, a vehicle bearing registration number JK-16B-4440 was intercepted around 10 pm. On inspection, the vehicle was found loaded with Kail timber logs without any valid permit or legal authorisation, officials said.
As the teams moved to take action, the person involved in the illegal transportation abandoned the vehicle near Wussan School and fled from the spot under the cover of darkness.
Following the incident, the Station House Officer of Ganderbal, along with teams from the Forest Protection Force, Forest Department and Forest Police, launched a search operation in the area to trace and apprehend the accused.
Officials said the seized forest produce includes Kail timber logs measuring approximately 63 cubic feet, along with the vehicle used in the offence. Both have been taken into custody as part of legal proceedings.
An investigation has been initiated to identify and arrest the smuggler. Officials said further action will be taken in accordance with the law to curb illegal timber smuggling and protect forest resources in the district. (CNS)
