The Gupteswar forest range under Ramgiri division has seized a Bolero vehicle loaded with 40 teak logs worth over one lakh rupees.
The vehicle, bearing registration number OR 10 D 0680, was intercepted during a late-night patrol in Haladikund section.
According to officials, the operation was carried out under the direction of Range Officer Chhabi Randhari, with Forester Shubham Shekhar Dalai leading the team of forest guards and support staff. On spotting the suspicious vehicle, the smugglers abandoned it and fled into the dense forest under the cover of darkness.
Subsequent search revealed the teak logs concealed inside the vehicle, which was immediately seized. Investigations are underway to trace the owner of the vehicle, the source of the timber—whether from Chhattisgarh or Haladikund—and its intended destination.
Forest officials confirmed that raids and search operations are continuing across multiple locations to apprehend the absconding timber mafia. To curb illegal logging and smuggling in Gupteswar forest, the department has intensified night patrolling and vowed stricter surveillance.
