Sudhanshu Sharma
Nurpur
In a major operation against illegal felling and smuggling of forest produce, the Damtaal Police team seized 84 khair logs, two vehicles, and modern tree-cutting equipment during naka checking. Nine accused have been booked in connection with the case.
On September 9, 2026, while patrolling and conducting naka duty near Indora Morh (Pathankot–Mukerian road), police stopped an Innova car (PB08 BL-9788) and an unregistered pickup vehicle coming from Damtaal. A thorough search revealed 76 logs from the pickup and 8 logs from the Innova, along with an electric cutter, 10 batteries, and 3 chains. The occupants failed to produce valid permits or documents for timber transportation. Forest officials were called to measure the seized timber, and both vehicles, equipment, and logs were taken into custody.
A case (FIR No. 144/2026) has been registered at Damtaal Police Station under Sections 303(2), 3(5) of BNS and Sections 41 & 42 of the Indian Forest Act.
The named accused include Rahul Kumar (Hoshiarpur, Punjab), Gurpreet Singh (Hoshiarpur, Punjab), Vikas Sharma (Kangra, HP), Govind (Damtaal, Kangra, HP), Balvinder Singh alias Bunty (Kangra, HP), Vishal (Damtaal, Kangra, HP), Ajay Kumar (Indpur, Kangra, HP), Om Prakash (Indpur, Kangra, HP), and Anil Kumar (Indpur, Kangra, HP).
Police confirmed that further investigation is underway to trace the source, destination, and wider smuggling network involved in the illegal khair timber trade.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Nurpur, emphasized that strict action will continue against forest mafia and those engaged in unlawful exploitation of forest wealth.
