Santirbazar, Jan 7: A special team of the Forest Department, led by Range Officer Jitendra Biswas of the Bagafa Forest Office under the Santirbazar subdivision, conducted a major operation on Tuesday against illegal timber smuggling.

Based on specific information, the team launched a search in the forest area near Pathichhari market, where smugglers had allegedly stockpiled a large quantity of timber.

However, sensing the presence of forest officials, the smugglers managed to escape by taking advantage of the dense forest cover.

After an extensive search operation, the Forest Department recovered a substantial quantity of valuable timber from the forest area. The seized timber was later brought to the Forest Department office for further legal procedures.

According to officials, the market value of the recovered timber is estimated to be several lakh rupees.

Range Officer Jitendra Biswas stated that such operations to curb illegal timber trade in the region will continue in the coming days, and strict action will be taken against those involved in forest-related crimes.