Tripura, 27 August 2025: Allegations are mounting that large portions of forestland are being stripped bare due to the collusion between a section of forest officials, guards, and timber smugglers. On Tuesday night, police in Khowai intercepted a truck loaded with smuggled timber and seized around 80 feet of valuable wood of various species. The truck driver along with two others were arrested.
According to police sources, acting on a tip-off, officers from Khowai Police Station set up checks along the Khowai–Mohanpur Agartala National Highway near the Belphang naka point. When signaled to stop, a truck coming from the Agartala side defied the police signal and sped away recklessly. Police immediately gave chase and, with the help of a barricade set up near Baijalbari Police Station, managed to stop the vehicle.
Upon inspection, police discovered the timber inside the truck and seized it on the spot. The driver and two associates were taken into custody. Both the truck and the recovered wood were later handed over to the Forest Department for further action.
