Illegal sawmill raided in Odisha; timbers worth lakhs seized

Khordha: A joint team of the Vigilance and forest officials today raided an illegal sawmill in Pipil police station area under Balipatna Forest Range of Khordha Forest Division and seized a huge quantity of timbers along with other items.

However, no arrest could be effected as nobody claimed ownership on the spot, said an official.

Acting on a tipoff, the team conducted a raid and sized 60.46 cft teak timber, nine poles, 24 power driven motors, cutters, sanders and drill machines from the unit. All the seized materials were later handed over to Khordha Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) that have been received by Balipatna Range Officer.

“The DFO has been requested to arrest the accused in his subsequent action. Total approximate cost of seizure items will be Rs 2,50,000,” said a statement issued by the Vigilance.

Later, three cases were registered for violation of Rule 4 of The Orissa Timber and other Forest
Produce Transit Rules, 1980 and Orissa Saw Mills and Saw Pits (Control) Act, 1990 in this connection.