BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th December 2025: Tension gripped West Ichai Lalchhara’s Ward No. 2 under the Bagbasa Assembly constituency after a forest range officer narrowly escaped an alleged attempt on his life during a joint raid to recover illegally stored forest resources.
Reportedly, notorious timber mafia Abdul Samed allegedly attacked forest officials with sharp weapons during the operation, while police personnel present at the scene failed to intervene despite instructions to arrest him.
Acting on a tip-off, the North District Forest Department, Tripura Police, and the 97th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) today jointly raided Samed’s residence in West Ichai Lalchhara. As soon as officials entered the premises, they were reportedly confronted by Samed and his associates, who threatened to kill the range officer and other staff.
Forest officials immediately alerted BSF and police reinforcements. A large contingent later intensified the raid, leading to the recovery of a massive stockpile of illegally hoarded teak timber, wooden furniture, and other forest produce from multiple rooms of the house. Sources said the recovery operation continued until late evening due to the sheer volume of seized materials.
Residents alleged that Abdul Samed has been running illegal timber operations in the area for years, yet authorities failed to bring him to justice. Friday’s attack on the range officer has sparked widespread anger, with locals demanding the immediate arrest and strict punishment of those involved.
Forest department sources confirmed that multiple cases will be registered against the accused under relevant sections of law.
