Police launch probe into smuggling of teak trees
Nearly 15 teak trees, planted as part of a social forestry initiative by the Irrigation Department 20 years ago, were felled and smuggled from the spot by unidentified persons.
The Thottilpalam police have launched an investigation into the alleged illegal felling and smuggling of around 15 teak trees planted by the Irrigation Department as part of a social forestry project in Mundakkutti, Maruthonkara panchayat. The incident was reported by the Irrigation Department officials following a complaint made to them.
Police sources revealed that all the trees that went missing were 20 years old. While police have collected statements from several local timber merchants and residents, there are currently no leads on who the suspected smugglers might be.
According to Irrigation Department sources, the lack of proper access roads to the site made it difficult for the stolen trees to be easily removed. They suggested that without local agents' knowledge, timber smuggling would be nearly impossible from such an isolated location. Police have gathered information on some of the goods-carriers and timber agents to advance the investigation. They have also intensified their search to locate the stolen timber.
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