Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 November 2024
A joint team of officials from the Mobile Squad and Mannarghat Range of Forest Department conducted a significant search operation at the residence of Mr. M. Ashraf in Azad Nagar, Stewartgunj. The operation, based on credible information, took place on October 31 and led to the recovery of 110 pieces of hand-sawn padauk timber, totalling 1.2746 cubic meters.
The timber was discovered hidden in bushes behind Mr. Ashraf’s house. Upon inspection, he was unable to provide valid documentation for the timber. As a result, the officials seized the padauk timber and transported it to the Range Office at Mannarghat. Mr. Ashraf was subsequently arrested, and a case has been filed against him under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
The operation was spearheaded by Mr. Hosea, Range Officer of Mannarghat, and included a team of dedicated officials: Mr. M. A. Rasheed, Forest Ranger; Mr. V. A. Kamruddin, Forest Guard; Mr. K. Abdul Salam-II, Forest Guard; and Mr. K. Veeraswamy, Forest Guard.
In light of this incident, the Divisional Forest Officer for South Andaman has urged the public to report any suspected forest and wildlife offences in their areas. Informants can reach out confidentially at the following phone numbers: 256178, 252334, 255344, 224540, 287336, and 281585.
The operation underscores the ongoing commitment to combat illegal timber trade and protect the rich biodiversity of the region.