The Dhubri Forest Division dismantled four illegal sawmills and seized large stocks of sal and teak timber during an overnight raid in Jambari as part of a crackdown on unauthorised logging and timber processing.
The operation followed intelligence inputs about illegal sawmills functioning in the area. A team led by the headquarters ranger conducted the raid under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer Golap Kumar Bania.
Forest personnel found unregistered units allegedly processing illegally sourced logs for commercial purposes. They dismantled all four sawmills and confiscated band saws, diesel engines, motor equipment, cutter blades and other machinery suspected to have been used in the operations.
The seized stock included sal (Shorea robusta) and teak (Tectona grandis) timber, estimated to be worth several lakh rupees on the black market. Officials also seized equipment allegedly linked to the transportation and handling of the timber.
The forest division has registered cases under relevant provisions of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891. The seized timber and machinery have been brought in for inventory and further legal proceedings.
Forest authorities said surveillance had been stepped up in vulnerable parts of the district to prevent illegal logging and timber trafficking. Further arrests may follow as the investigation into the suspected supply network continues.
