Bishalgarh:Forest officials seized an illegal sawmill and a generator from the deep forest of the Purathal Rajnagar area under Bishalgarh sub-division, following an operation led by Sub-Divisional Forest Officer Ishan Lal against suspected timber smugglers.
The seized equipment, allegedly used to illegally process stolen timber within the forest, was recovered after forest personnel chased the smugglers into the forest. However, the suspects managed to evade capture and fled the scene before they could be apprehended. The confiscated sawmill and generator were subsequently brought to the Charilam Forest Range Office.
Speaking to the media, Forester Bijoy Ghosh confirmed the seizure and said the value of the confiscated equipment was estimated at around three lakh rupees. He noted that the operation reflected the department’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal logging activities and clamp down on the unauthorized felling and processing of timber within the region’s forest areas.
Officials said further action would be taken to identify and track down those involved in the illegal operation, while patrolling in the area is expected to be intensified to prevent similar activities in the future.