Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 11: On 10.09.2026, while on regular patrolling duty, Mr. Syam Sunder Rao, Forester, along with one Mazdoor, detected an unregistered furniture unit operating in the name “The Handy Craftsman, Carpentry and Handicrafts Workshop,” at Joda Kilan, Sippighat Revenue Area, operated by Mr. Sanker Halder, S/o Mr. Pankaj Halder, R/o Garacharma.
The matter was immediately intimated telephonically to the Range Officer, Garacharma. Subsequently, the Range Officer, Garacharma, along with HFG Arabinda Pahari, FG Jabeen Ahmed and workers, conducted further verification and seized 01 No. Lathe Machine fitted with 12-inch Circular Saw, Semi-finished handicraft items, 01 No. Electric Drill, 01 No. Planer, 01 No. Router, 01 No. Paper Machine & 10 items of various sizes of tools from the premises.
The above items were seized under Section 52(1) of the IFA, 1927, from the possession of the concerned person for violation of the applicable provisions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Forest Produce Transit Rules relating to registration of furniture units and use of machinery/saws.
The seized items, along with the accused person, were subsequently brought before the Range Officer, Garacharma. The seized items were thereafter handed over to CO(HQ), Garacharma, for safe custody. The entire operation was conducted under the overall supervision of Mr. Erularajan, Forest Ranger, Range Officer (Garacharma).
The South Andaman Forest Division urges 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 any other activity in violation of forest laws, through the Helpline No. 03192-255228. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
