Sri Vijaya Puram | January 29, 2026
Acting on credible information, a joint search operation was conducted on January 29 by the Manglutan Range and Garacharma Range under the South Andaman Forest Division, leading to the seizure of illegal timber and forest produce from a residential premises at Indranagar, South Andaman.
The operation was carried out at the house and premises of Mr. Mandakalai, a resident of Indranagar, in the presence of the Range Officers of Manglutan and Garacharma, police personnel, departmental staff and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
During the search, the team detected and seized a total of 1.195 cubic metres of hand-sawn timber, 23 pieces of various semi-finished Padauk timber, 10 furniture items of different types and three machinery items from the spot.
All seized materials were handed over to the Court Officer (CO), Manglutan Range, for safe custody. A case has been registered against Mr. Mandakalai under the relevant provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of Mr. Amalendu Mandal, Forest Ranger and Range Officer, Manglutan Range.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department has appealed to the general public to share information regarding any illegal activities involving forest and wildlife produce. Such information can be reported on the Forest Department helpline number 03192-255228. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, the department assured.
