Team Herald
PONDA: Forest officials arrested two individuals for the illegal felling and smuggling of teak wood logs in Mollem.
The arrested individuals, who have been arrested by Range Forest Officer (RFO) Anil Fernandes and his team, have been identified as Raghu Naik, 26, from Cuncoliem, and Dilip Talwar, 42, from Kirlapal.
The operation followed the cutting down of two large teak trees, which were then processed into 13 pieces. According to information released by the Forest Department, a person named Umesh from Valandav, Dharbandora had permitted the trees to be cut on his property for a sum of Rs 25,000.
Acting on intelligence, the Forest Department personnel maintained a close watch on the area. Raghu and Dilip were taken into custody by RFO and his staff upon their arrival at the location.
Forest officials stated that Umesh will be taken into custody tomorrow, and further legal action will be pursued in accordance with the prevailing forest laws.