Guwahati, 14th January: In a significant development, the Abhayapuri forest department conducted a night raid on January 13, leading to the apprehension of Mahmudul Islam, identified as the prime suspect engaged in illegal tree cutting activities.
The operation took place in the ecologically sensitive Malegarh hills, a proposed reserve forest in the Bongaigaon district.
During the clandestine raid, authorities caught Islam red-handed as he was actively involved in the unauthorized felling of trees.
The discovery included the confiscation of 25 teak wood kundas and various tree-cutting tools from the scene.
Of notable concern is Islam’s claim of being a journalist, raising questions about his involvement in the long-standing issue of forest destruction in the Malegarh hills.
This arrest marks a crucial step by the Abhayapuri forest department to address the ongoing environmental challenges and ensure accountability for those contributing to the degradation of the proposed reserve forest.
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