Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, May 17: A major operation by the Mangaluru Forest Mobile Squad led to the seizure of a vehicle allegedly transporting wooden beams illegally without valid permission. The incident occurred at Valencia locality of Jeppinamogaru village in Mangaluru taluk.

Acting on a tip-off, the forest officials intercepted the pickup vehicle engaged in smuggling timber. The accused driver, identified as Kavoor Krishna, was found transporting the wooden beams without proper documentation. Officials confirmed that the total value of the seized vehicle and timber is estimated at around Rs 5 lac.

The Mangaluru Forest Mobile Squad registered a case against the driver and issued him a notice to appear for further investigation.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of deputy forest conservation officer Srikant Khanadal, along with range forest officer Kumar Swamy, deputy range forest officer Prashant Poojary, and forest personnel Ashwith Gatti, Vinay Kumar, and vehicle driver Jayaprakash.

The forest department has intensified vigilance against illegal transport of forest produce in the region and is pursuing further investigation into the case.