THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 3: In a late-night joint operation, teams of the forest department and police intercepted two tractors loaded with illegally felled timber in the jungles of Metar under Manatu forest range in Palamu district and seized the consignment.
According to forest officials, around 20 logs of Sidha and Geejan wood were recovered. The timber had been properly cut and bundled, indicating it was ready for transportation and sale.
Acting on a precise tip-off about the movement of two tractors in the Metar forest area, In-charge Forester Rajesh Gupta immediately alerted the Metar outpost police and sought assistance. Police support was arranged promptly, enabling the joint team to move into action without delay.
During the interception, the drivers of both tractors fled, leaving the vehicles running. Police personnel managed to bring the tractors under control, officials said.
The identity of the owner of one tractor has been established as Jatho Singh, while efforts are underway to trace the owner of the second tractor. Notably, both tractors were found without registration numbers.
Forest officials said any delay could have resulted in the timber being transported out of the forest area, making seizure difficult.
Meanwhile, Medininagar Forest Division DFO Satyam Kumar has directed forest personnel to take firm and fearless action against all offences under the Forest Act. Sources said his leadership has significantly boosted the morale of ground staff.
Regular joint raids and seizures in areas like Metar mark a sharp contrast to earlier years, when entering these jungles after sunset was considered highly risky. The Medininagar forest division continues to intercept illegal timber, khair wood, and other forest produce at regular intervals and initiate legal action against offenders.