By TC News Desk
Agartala, 13th March 2025: Acting on secret information, Kadamtala Forest Beat officials under Dharmanagar subdivision seized a Bolero vehicle loaded with teak wood worth Rs 1.5 lakh this afternoon. The operation was led by in-charge of Kadamtala Forest Beat Abhijit Das reflects his resolute approach to curbing timber smuggling in the district.
Abhijit Das, who took charge of the Kadamtala Forest Beat only a few months back has already recovered several vehicles and illegal wood consignments during his tenure. Previously, the Kadamtala area had become a hub for timber mafia activities due to lax enforcement. However, Das’ proactive measures have significantly reduced smuggling incidents in the district.
The latest operation began after Das received a tip-off about the movement of timber through the Kadamtala forest area. “We had information about a large timber consignment passing through the area. Acting swiftly, I informed SDFO Ashok Kumar and Dharmanagar Range Ranger Supriya Deb Nath,” Das shared. Forest officials, including Churaibari Beat in-charge Ashutosh Malakar, launched an extensive overnight patrol in the Kadamtala police station area.
At around 4:15 am, a Bolero car (registration number TR02L1798) traveling from Palpara to Julibasa was intercepted near the Julibasa Bridge under Ward No. 6 of Dakshin Kadamtala Gram Panchayat. “The vehicle was moving at high speed, and our team gave chase. The driver lost control while taking a turn, overturned the vehicle, and fled the scene,” explained Dharmanagar Range Ranger Supriya Deb Nath.
Upon searching the vehicle, forest officials recovered 41 pieces of teak wood locks measuring approximately 100 CFT. “The seized timber is valued at Rs 1.5 lakh in the market. While no arrests were made, a case has been registered, and the investigation is underway,” said Deb Nath.
According to forest department sources, the seized timber originated from the reserved forest areas of Unkoti district. Senior officials have commended the efforts of the team. “This operation highlights the importance of vigilance and teamwork in combating illegal timber activities,” added SDFO Ashok Kumar.
Residents have lauded Das’s determination in tackling timber smuggling in the area. “Abhijit Das has proven that with an indomitable will and a proactive approach, one can achieve significant results anywhere,” a local resident remarked.
