Handwara police bust illegal timber storage; 21 deodar logs seized, accused arrested

Jul 21, 2025

HANDWARA: As part of its ongoing drive against forest smuggling and illegal possession of forest produce, Handwara Police achieved a significant success by seizing a large quantity of illegally acquired timber and arresting the accused person involved in the act.

Police Station Qalamabad received credible information through reliable sources that one individual, namely Bashir Ahmad Najar, son of Ghulam Nabi Najar, resident of Dhobi Mohalla, Haril, had stored illegally acquired Deodar timber logs in his cowshed with the intent to conceal them and possibly transport or sell them later.

Acting promptly on the information, a police team from PS Qalamabad conducted a raid at the said location. During the search operation, a total of 21 logs of Deodar timber were recovered and seized on the spot in presence of witnesses as per legal procedure, it reads.

It further adds that a case FIR No. 24/2025 under Section 303(2) of BNS and Section 26 of the Forest Act has been registered at Police Station Qalamabad. The accused person has been formally arrested, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the timber and any possible links to organized forest smuggling networks.

Handwara Police reiterates its firm commitment to protect forest wealth and natural resources, and stern action shall be taken against those involved in illegal activities detrimental to the environment.