Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 24: On 22.08.2026 at about 1000 hrs, while conducting routine patrolling in the Maccapahad revenue area near the BSNL Tower, the Beat staff of Garacharama Range, South Andaman Forest Division, detected 0.116 cbm Padauk sawn timber and furniture kept in the premises/work shed belonging to Mr. S. Ramakrishna, R/o Junglighat.
On enquiry, no valid documents or bills could be produced in support of the possession of the said timber and furniture. The matter was accordingly brought to the notice of the Range Officer, Garacharama Range.
Subsequently, the Range Officer, Garacharama Range and Assistant Conservator of Forests, South Andaman Division, visited the spot and inspected the materials. The Padauk sawn timber and furniture were seized at the spot following due procedure in the presence of independent witnesses.
The seized items were thereafter brought to the Range Office, Garacharama, for safe custody and further necessary action. The person concerned was also brought to the Range Office for further enquiry/investigation. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the timber and other relevant facts, and necessary action will be taken in accordance with law.
The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of Mr. Rajee George, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman Forest Division, and under the guidance of Mr. R.S. Sharath, Assistant Conservator of Forests, and Erularajan, Forest Ranger.
The South Andaman Forest Division reiterates its appeal to the general public to cooperate in safeguarding the forests and wildlife of the Islands and to report any information regarding illegal hunting, possession, transport, storage or trade of forest and wildlife produce through the Forest Department Helpline 03192-255228. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
