The Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Collem has carried out a successful operation against the illegal smuggling of khair wood, leading to the detention of three individuals: Hasan Shaikh (35), Suraj Bhosle (33), and Biru Babu Patkare (24). The action followed intelligence inputs indicating illicit transportation of khair wood, a protected and ecologically significant timber species.
During the raid, officials seized several logs of khair wood estimated to be worth around Rs 30,000, along with a rickshaw allegedly used for transporting the timber. The three accused were reportedly caught red-handed while attempting to move the wood illegally, in clear violation of forest protection laws designed to combat deforestation and illegal logging.
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A case has been registered against the trio under relevant forest and environmental protection laws, and further investigations are underway to determine whether a broader smuggling network might be involved.
The forest department said the seizure of the timber and vehicle reflects ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and crack down on illegal exploitation of valuable forest produce.
