JAMMU, Apr 23: A Beat Guard has been placed under suspension after a vehicle carrying illegal deodar timber was seized in the Bhadarwah area of Doda district.
Officials said that acting on specific input, a joint team of the Forest Protection Force and territorial staff of Neru Range intercepted a TATA Mobile vehicle (registration number JK02B-6463) during the intervening night of April 21 and 22 at village Jalga in Compartment 3/N. The vehicle was found loaded with 20 deodar green scants measuring 54.44 cft.
During the operation, officials added that the in-charge Beat Guard of Jai 2nd beat, Mushtaq Ahmed Batt, was also found travelling on the same route in his personal vehicle. A mechanical cutter, reportedly packed in a bag, was recovered from him.
Officials said the source of the seized timber is yet to be ascertained and investigations are underway to determine whether it was extracted from Chiralla or Neru Range.
Meanwhile, pending inquiry, the Beat Guard has been suspended with immediate effect and attached to the Divisional Forest Office, Bhadarwah.
A detailed probe has also been ordered to identify the source of the timber and fix responsibility. Authorities have directed that a report be submitted within a week, following which further legal action will be initiated. (Agency)
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