Guwahati: A team of forest officials in Dhakuakhana, Lakhimpur, Assam, was involved in a nighttime pursuit of a vehicle carrying illegally felled timber on March 21, while the world observed International Day of the Forests.
The vehicle, a mini truck (registration number AS29 C 0765), was traveling from Majuli and was loaded with Shimalu wood.
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The truck was intercepted at Sonari Chapori by the forest department, but the driver refused to stop, prompting a 15-kilometer chase.
Led by Forest Beat Officer (FBO) Karabi Hazarika of Dhakuakhana Forest Sub-Beat, the team pursued the vehicle along the Dhakuakha-Majuli PWD Road and eventually overtook it at Bamun Gaon, near the Dhakuakhana Court.
However, the driver and two accomplices managed to flee before the forest officials could apprehend them.
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FBO Karabi Hazarika stated that timber smuggling has been an ongoing issue in the Dhakuakhana region, involving a network extending to neighboring Majuli, Dhemaji, and North Lakhimpur. The forest department has been actively monitoring the situation.
A case has been registered at Dhakuakhana Police Station, and the vehicle along with the illegal timber has been seized.