Bantwal: Forest dept conducts raid, seizes illegally transported timber worth lakhs

Team Udayavani, Nov 23, 2023, 8:34 PM IST

The Forest Department in Bantwal conducted a raid based on credible information and intercepted the illegal transportation of timber, seizing property valued at lakhs of rupees.

The operation, led by Bantwal Zone Forest Officer Praful Shetty P., along with Sub-Zone Forest Officer Yashodhara, Patrol Forest Rangers Jitesh P, Shobit, Smita, Rekha Sachin, and Forest Watcher Bhaskara, targeted two pickup vehicles, bearing registration numbers KA 12 A1792 and KA 18 B 0526. The illegal transportation of timber was intercepted at Marna Bailu in Sajipa Munnur village of Bantwal taluk and Kotekani in Sajipa Padu village of Ullal taluk.

The seized assets, including the vehicles and the confiscated timber, amount to a total value of Rs 6 lakhs. The Forest Department has taken swift action, registering a case against the accused individuals involved in the illegal transportation of timber.

The case will be further investigated under the direction of Deputy Conservator of Forests Anthony S. Mariappa, with Assistant Conservator of Forest Sridhar P. overseeing the proceedings. Zonal Forest Officer Praful Shetty P. will be actively involved in the investigative process.