Assam: West Kamrup forest officials seize illegal teak after high-speed chase

In ongoing action against illegal logging, the West Kamrup Forest Division intercepted a vehicle carrying a large consignment of illegally transported teak wood following a high-speed chase from Shantipur to Batakuchi village, Assam on August 27.

The operation, led by Bamunigaon Range Officer Aminul Islam, involved forest officials pursuing the suspicious vehicle across multiple locations. The driver abandoned the vehicle near a roadside gorge and managed to flee. Authorities discovered that the vehicle, registration AS 01 LC 9523, was packed with cut pieces of teak, believed to have been smuggled from nearby forested areas.

Speaking to reporters, Range Officer Islam estimated the market value of the seized timber at around Rs 2 lakh. He emphasized that the Forest Department continues to remain vigilant against timber smuggling and will take strict action against offenders.

The seizure is seen as a significant breakthrough in the department’s ongoing efforts to curb deforestation and safeguard valuable forest resources in the region.