Jammu police foil two attempts of illegal Khair Wood transportation in Gharota and Akhnoor

jj correspondent
Jammu, April 10: In a determined effort to curb forest smuggling and protect natural resources, Jammu Police successfully thwarted two separate attempts of illegal transportation of Khair wood in the Gharota and Akhnoor areas during the intervening night of April 9 and 10, 2025.
The first operation was conducted by a vigilant team from Police Station Gharota, which had set up a routine naka (checkpoint) at Jandial Chowk. During the checking, an auto load carrier bearing registration number JK02DD 6763 was signaled to stop. Instead of complying, the driver attempted to flee the scene. However, the alert police team responded swiftly and managed to intercept the vehicle after a brief chase.
Upon inspection, the vehicle was found illegally transporting Khair wood—both pieces and twigs—suspected to be intended for commercial sale without necessary permissions. A case was registered at PS Gharota, and after completing legal formalities, the vehicle and the seized forest produce were handed over to the Forest Department for further proceedings under the Forest Act.
In another but related development, the Police Station Akhnoor team also seized a consignment of Khair wood during routine checking at Maira Mandrian. The team stopped a Maruti vehicle with registration number JK0C 2225, which was being driven by Anshu Singh, son of Kamal Singh, accompanied by Shamsher Lal, son of Kali Dass—both residents of Ranjan, Tehsil Bhalwal, District Jammu.
A search of the vehicle revealed approximately three-fourths of a quintal of Khair wood loaded in the rear. When questioned, the duo failed to produce any legal documents or valid permits for transporting the forest produce. As a result, both the vehicle and the suspects were taken into custody, and the Forest Department was informed for further legal action under the Forest Act.
Senior police officials have emphasized their continued resolve to protect Jammu & Kashmir’s forest wealth and take strict action against those involved in smuggling and illegal transportation of forest produce. These back-to-back successes reflect the Jammu Police’s proactive approach in tackling environmental crimes and ensuring the conservation of natural resources.
The Jammu Police urge citizens to report any suspicious activity related to forest smuggling and support the authorities in preserving the region’s rich ecological heritage.