Munish Sood
Bilaspur
In a major blow to forest protection efforts, suspected timber smugglers have reportedly felled and stolen a large number of valuable sandalwood trees from Danoh village, located near Bilaspur city, openly exposing gaps in the Forest Department’s surveillance system.
As per initial reports, unidentified offenders cut down nearly 10 to 15 sandalwood trees during the night and fled with the highly priced wood, leaving behind only tree stumps at the scene.
Large-Scale Theft Executed Under Cover of Darkness
The incident came to light on Wednesday morning when villagers reached their agricultural fields and were shocked to discover the freshly chopped remains of the trees. The scale and ease of the operation indicate a well-organised smuggling network operating in the area.
Locals allege that such thefts of sandalwood and other forest resources have become increasingly common, causing significant loss to the region’s natural wealth and raising alarm over the safety of protected forest assets.
Public Anger Over Lack of Patrolling
The incident has triggered strong resentment among residents, who have questioned the effectiveness of forest patrolling and monitoring mechanisms. Villagers have demanded immediate action against the culprits and called for dismantling of the organised timber smuggling nexus.
“The repeated targeting of sandalwood trees shows that smugglers are operating fearlessly,” a local resident remarked, urging authorities to strengthen enforcement on the ground.
Forest Department Registers Case, Probe Launched
Following the information, a Forest Department team rushed to the spot and carried out a preliminary inspection. Officials confirmed that a case has been registered against unknown persons and investigations are underway to identify those involved.
The department has assured that patrolling will be intensified and additional preventive measures will be taken to curb such incidents in the future.
