Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 12 August 2025
Acting on a tip-off from a reliable source, the Forest Department’s Tushnabad Range team seized and destroyed 120 litres of illicit liquor during a search operation in Namunaghar Reserve Forest near Tom Basthi.
The operation, led by Forest Guard Mahananda Gharami along with beat mazdoors Manick Halder (RPSM), Vasanth (DRM), Keshab Lall (DRM) and Xavier Kerketta (DRM), uncovered a makeshift liquor distillation setup. The team recovered plastic buckets, iron tins, a large iron kadai, several plastic cans, tarpaulins, wood charcoal, and firewood, all used for producing the illegal brew locally known as Lehan.
The illicit liquor was destroyed on-site, and the equipment seized under Sections 52(1) and 26(1)(b), (d) & (f) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. An investigation has been initiated, though no suspects have yet been identified.
The seized materials were handed over to the Camp Officer (Headquarters), Tushnabad, for safe custody. The operation was supervised by Forest Ranger Pramod Singh, Range Officer, Tushnabad Range.
Authorities have urged the public to report any information related to illegal forest or wildlife produce to the Forest Department helpline at 03192-255228, assuring that informants’ identities will be kept confidential.
