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Den of inter-district timber mafia raided

Staff Reporter

Equipment and illicit timber were seized

BERHAMPUR: A major den of inter-district timber mafia operating at a clandestine saw mill at Tirida village near Khallikote in Ganjam district was raided by forest officials on Monday.

As the intelligence reports stated that the timber mafia was well armed the officials of Berhampur forest division had to take the help of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel from Khurda district for this raid. This saw mill was being run by a timber mafia leader. He however along with his associates managed to escape arrest. "Two years ago the forest officials had to face a bombs wielding mob while they had tried to raid a den in the same area. So, this time we preferred to take the help of CRPF personnel," said Divisional Forest Officer, S.N.Mohapatra.

The equipment of the secret saw mill and a large amount of illicit timber were seized from the spot. According to Mr Mohapatra this den was serving as transit point and processing unit of illicit timber from different districts of the State.

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Den of inter-district timber mafia raided

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