JAMMU: In a joint operation, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Forest Department officials seized a vehicle carrying illegally cut Khair wood near Kanger Morh in the Gharota area during the early hours of Thursday.

Officials said the incident took place around 4:00 AM when a Scorpio vehicle (JK02AB 4024) coming from the Gharota side was signalled to stop at a naka point.

Instead of stopping, they said, the driver sped away, prompting a brief chase.

He later abandoned the vehicle and fled under the cover of darkness, officials said.

On inspection, officials found the SUV loaded with approximately 15 to 20 quintals of Khair wood, suspected to be illegally transported for commercial purposes.

According to them, the seized vehicle and forest produce were handed over to the Forest Department for legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, efforts are on to identify and arrest the absconding driver.