Forest team seizes Rs 5 lakh worth of Sal timber in midnight operation near Assam–Meghalaya border

In a late-night anti-smuggling operation, the Assam Forest Protection team seized a Tata DI (registration number ML 09 A 5030) loaded with Sal timber worth approximately Rs 5 lakh. The action was carried out under the direction of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of West Kamrup Forest Division, Subodh Talukdar, following a tip-off.

According to forest officials, the interception occurred around midnight on Saturday after a high-speed chase from the Assam–Meghalaya border area. The pursuit ended in Tangabari village, where the vehicle was successfully seized.

Local residents and police personnel arrived at the spot shortly after the seizure. However, the driver managed to flee under the cover of darkness and remains at large.

Authorities noted that illegal felling and timber smuggling of Sal trees have become an alarming issue in both Assam and Meghalaya, with smugglers often exploiting border routes to transport the valuable wood. The forest department has intensified its monitoring to curb the ongoing deforestation.