BHADERWAH: The District Magistrate Doda has booked two habitual offenders under Public Safety Act.

"On recommendation of the Divisional forest officer Bhaderwah PSA has been imposed against two habitual forest offenders namely Hasham Din, R/o Kuthal Tanta and Bilal Ahmed R/o. Wanipura Tanta, in Chiralla Range. The accused had long been involved in organized timber smuggling activities, posing a threat to the environment and also intimidating and threatening Forest officials" Forest authorities said.

The DFO Bhaderwah said several forest damage cases have been registered in Chiralla Range against these offenders in addition to FIRs in the police station.

"Some other habitual offenders have also been identified and dossiers prepared. In future the PSA will be slapped against these offenders also so that it serves as a deterrent to others," he added.