Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 16 June 2024
In a decisive action against illegal logging, a team from the PS C&EO apprehended three individuals and seized a significant quantity of illegal sawn padauk timber on 15 June 2024. Acting on a specific intelligence input from a reliable source, the team conducted a targeted operation resulting in the arrest of the suspects and the confiscation of 32 pieces of timber.
The operation was led by SI Parvash and included HC/733 Sanjit Madhu, HC/264 Sanjay Kujur, HC/1713 K. Venkateshwar Rao, PC/1143 K. Rajendran, and PC/1067 N. Thangaraj. The suspects were identified as Sulyman Madke, 34, a private driver from Mayabunder; Husil Minj, 25, a co-driver also from Mayabunder; and M. Vijay, 28, a private labourer from Rest Camp, Mayabunder.
The seized timber, measuring 1.100 cubic meters and of various sizes, was discovered in a vehicle bearing registration No. AN01 R 5401. The police apprehended the individuals at Sippighat Junction, following all necessary legal procedures.
After the arrest, the suspects and the seized timber were handed over to the Forest Department officials at Garacharma Range for further investigation and necessary action.
The police urge the public to report any credible information regarding illegal activities to the following telephone numbers: 100, 232586, 233307, 9434280100. The identity of informers will be kept confidential to ensure their safety.
This operation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat illegal logging and preserve the region’s natural resources.