In a major crackdown, officials from the Ponda Forest Department detained four individuals on charges of smuggling Khair wood near Malshe Curti. The team seized wood valued at approximately Rs 2 lakhs, along with a mini tempo and two bikes used in the illegal transportation of the material.
The operation, which took place on Thursday, highlights the forest department's ongoing efforts to curb illegal timber smuggling in the region. The detained individuals are currently under investigation, and authorities are taking further steps to dismantle the network involved in the illegal trade.