An illegal timber-laden truck traveling from Meghalaya without a number plate was captured by the Rani forest department early on December 14 during a search near the Pageli Tea Estate, which is situated on the Assam-Meghalaya border on the western outskirts of Guwahati. Following a particular tip-off, Rani Regional Forest Officer Roji Barman led the operation, according to forest department sources. The Meghalayan vehicle carrying expensive timber valued at nearly Rs 2 lakh that was being trafficked was stopped at Pageli Tea Estate.
An individual suspected of engaging in the illicit timber trade, allegedly working under the alias “Patil” in the neighboring Kaharpora region of Rani, is thought to have smuggled the timber. Locals in Rani, meanwhile, have accused certain employees of the Forest Department’s Rani Regional Office and Sub-Divisional Forest Offices of supporting the local wood gang. Additionally, it has been alleged that certain forest officers notify smugglers in advance of planned raids against illegal timber dealers and forest destroyers, making senior Forest Department personnel’ actions ineffectual.
