Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 27: On receiving credible information from the informers on Sunday, 23/08/2026, the Mobile Squad team comprising Mr. Uttam Kumar Mistry, Forester, Mr. John Chrisostom, FG, Mr. Ganesh Sahoo RPSM, Mr. Paul Mark RPSM, Mr. Vishal Minj RPSM proceeded towards Rutland, under Manglutan Range to conduct a search operation. The team halted for 03 days in the area and carried out an intensive search operation. On 25/08/2026, during the course of operation, the team successfully detected and seized 82 Nos. of illegal hand sawn timber(Padauk) of different sizes measuring approximately 2.248 cbm along with 01 No. Powerchain Saw, 02 Jericans and Aluminium & Steel utensils, at Aam Dera, Rutland. The timber was seized on the spot in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The team returned to the station on 26/08/2026 and handed over the seized illegal hand sawn timber(Padauk) and other items to the Beat Officer, Anarkali Beat, Rutland through the Range Officer, Manglutan Range for safe custody and for further course of action.
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 Mr. John William, 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, transportation, storage or trade of forest and wildlife produce through the Helpline No. 03192-255228. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
