Kathua, October 8: In a significant action against forest smuggling, the Forest Department team of Kathua Forest Range seized a truck (Registration No. JK20A/2504) loaded with mixed broad-leaved fuelwood near Sodi Palace, Barnoti, around 8:45 PM on Tuesday.
The operation was carried out by the team headed by Block Officer Budhi, Sh. Jagbinder Singh, and Block Officer HQ, Sh. Anshu Sharma, under the direct supervision of Range Officer Kathua, Sh. Narinder Kumar, and overall supervision of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kathua, Sh. Ankit Sinha, IFS.
The forest produce and the vehicle were seized under Sections 52(1) and 52(2) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, for violating the J&K Transit Rules, 2020, and in contravention of the Supreme Court’s directions.
The accused driver, identified as Rakesh Singh, was apprehended on the spot with the assistance of Forest Protection Force personnel. Officials said the driver attempted to smuggle the forest produce out of the Union Territory by crossing the designated destination point.
The seized truck, along with the fuelwood and the accused, has been brought to the Forest Complex, Kathua, for further legal proceedings.
