Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir – June 12, 2025 – Today, at approximately 4:00 PM, the Forest Department successfully intercepted a vehicle carrying illicit timber in Wadipora Lachipora, Langate.Acting on reliable intelligence regarding the movement of illegal timber, a surprise naka (checkpoint) was established. A Santro car, bearing registration number DL4CND-0549, was signaled to stop. The driver immediately abandoned the moving vehicle and fled into a nearby dense orchard.
Forest Department officials quickly brought the vehicle under control. Upon inspection, the car was found to be loaded with illicit Kail (sawn) timber. The vehicle and the seized timber were promptly seized at the scene and transported to the Central Seizure Depot Langate, following standard procedure.

An FIR, vide no. 129 of 2025, has been lodged against the driver at Police Station Handwara. The local Forest staff has identified the driver, and a joint manhunt has been launched by both the Forest and Police Departments to apprehend the offender.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Langate Forest Division and the Police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

Commenting on the seizure of vehicle with illicit timber in Langate, the Conservator of Forests, North Forest Circle, Sh Irfan Ali Shah(IFS) stated, “I commend the proactive and effective operation carried out by our Forest Department staff in Langate, supported by timely intelligence. The swift establishment of the naka and the successful interception of the vehicle carrying illicit Kail timber demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting our invaluable forest resources.”

He further added, “While the driver managed to flee the scene, our local Forest staff has already identified the individual. We are working closely with the Police Department, and a joint manhunt is vigorously underway to apprehend the offender. This incident serves as a strong reminder that we will not tolerate any attempts to engage in illegal timber trade. Our teams are vigilant, and we will continue to strengthen our efforts to curb such activities.”

The Conservator of Forests(CoF) emphasized the collaborative nature of the ongoing investigation, stating, “The DFO Langate Forest Division and the Police have initiated a thorough investigation. We are confident that all those involved in this illicit activity will be brought to justice. We urge the public to continue providing us with reliable information, as community support is crucial in our fight against forest crimes.”