Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 25: Jammu and Kashmir Police in coordination with the Forest Department foiled two separate attempts to smuggle Khair wood in Gharota and Chowki Choura areas on the intervening night of July 23 and 24.
A police official said in the first incident near Thathi Bridge, a joint team from Gharota Police and forest officials intercepted a black Safari vehicle (MH02CB-0457) during night patrolling.
“The driver of the vehicle fled under the cover of darkness, but the vehicle was found loaded with 11 Khair logs, weighing 5 to 6 quintals,” he said.
According to him, the vehicle had been under suspicion due to earlier complaints.
Accordingly, he said, a case has been registered at Gharota Police Station and further investigation has been taken up.
In a similar operation the same night, the police official said, a Tata Mobile (JK02DG-6322) coming from Bhamla side was stopped at a naka by a team of Police Post Chowki Choura.
“The driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped into nearby forest area,” he said, adding that nearly 20 quintals of Khair wood was recovered from the vehicle.
While a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the law in this case as well, further investigation is underway, he said.
“Both vehicles and the seized timber will be handed over to the Forest Department for further proceedings under the Forest Act,” added the police official.
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