Great Success: Four Vehicles Seized in Timber Smuggling Crackdown in Balangir

By Mahendra Kumar Darjee

Balangir, June 11: In a significant crackdown on illegal timber trade, the Balangir Forest Division has seized four vehicles carrying smuggled Khair and Kendu wood over the past four days. The seizures come amid rising incidents of forest produce smuggling in the district.

Despite frequent attempts by timber smugglers to outsmart forest officials, the vigilance of the department — particularly after the recent appointment of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ajit Bishi — has led to intensified patrolling and successful interceptions.

According to official sources, the first seizure took place on June 7, 2025, around 4:30 AM near Jhimanpali village under Saintala Range. The forest staff intercepted an Alfa Auto (registration no. OD03AA 0735) loaded with 14 pieces of Khair timber weighing 418 kilograms.

On the same day, in a separate operation near Dharuakhaman village, the Lathore Range staff seized a Bolero Pickup loaded with 22 quintals of Khair wood. One accused person was apprehended during the raid.

Continuing their operations, the Balangir Range staff seized another Bolero Pickup (registration no. OD19F 2621) carrying 32 quintals of Khair logs near Bharatbahal village at around 12:30 AM on June 8, 2025.

The latest seizure occurred on June 10, 2025, around 5:00 AM near College Chowk in Balangir, where the Balangir Range staff intercepted a truck (registration no. OR15N 2287) transporting Kendu logs. One person, identified as Ajay Singh, was arrested on the spot.

Forest officials have confirmed that further investigations are underway to identify the masterminds behind the smuggling racket and trace the illegal timber trade network operating in the region.

The forest department reiterated its commitment to protecting the district’s forest resources and warned smugglers of stringent action under the law.