Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa
Mapusa, Nov 8: The Pernem forest department arrested Krishna Sawant of Dhargalim and seized his vehicle for allegedly smuggling Khaira trees in the Dadachiwadi area.
The arrest follows reports of rising Khaira tree thefts using vehicles in the region. Sources said tree smuggling activities had increased in recent weeks as forest officials were primarily engaged in tracking the movement of the Omkar elephant that had entered Goa from Dodamarg.
Sawant was taken into custody along with the seized vehicle. The operation was led by Pernem forest officer Harish Mahale, assisted by forester Sunil Naik and forest staff members Sandeep Naroji, Jitendra Naik, Vishal Gavas, and Avinash Parab.