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Sachnews Jammu Kashmir
Jammu, June 20:
Police on Friday said that a joint operation with the Forest Department led to the seizure of a vehicle transporting a large quantity of illegally transported Khair wood near Kanger Morh, in the Gharota area. The action was taken during the early hours of the morning in a coordinated naka checkpoint.
In a statement police said that the incident occurred at around 4:00 AM, when a Scorpio SUV bearing registration number JK02AB 4024, coming from the Gharota side, was signaled to stop at a naka point jointly set up by the police and forest department.
However, instead of complying, the driver attempted to flee. A brief chase ensued, during which the unidentified driver abandoned the vehicle and managed to escape under the cover of darkness.
Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be loaded with cut pieces of Khair wood, weighing approximately 15 to 20 quintals, suspected to be intended for illegal transportation and commercial gain.
Authorities promptly seized the vehicle along with the illicit forest produce, and further inquiry is underway to identify and apprehend the absconding driver.
The seized vehicle and Khair wood have been handed over to the Forest Department for further legal action, police said in a statement.