Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 11: Acting on credible intelligence from a clandestine source, Mr. Mahananda Gharami, FG, Tushnabad Range, led a search operation with four beat mazdoors: Mr. Manick Halder (RPSM), Mr. Vasanth (DRM), Mr. Keshab Lall (DRM), and Xavier Kerketta (DRM) to a suspected illicit liquor production site within Namunaghar RF near Tom Basthi.
During the operation, the team recovered 03 Nos. Plastic buckets [20 ltrs], 03 nos. Iron Tin [15 ltrs], 1 no. Iron Kadai [Big Size], 14 nos. Plastic can[05 ltrs], 01 no. Plastic Tarpauline[ 2 x 2mtrs], 01 no. Plastic Tarpauline[ 2 x 3 mtrs], 01 no. Plastic Tarpauline[ 3 x 3 mtrs], 1.5 kgs Wood charcoal, 01 cbm Firewood along with 120 litres of illicit liquor (Lehan).
The illicit liquor was immediately destroyed on-site. All materials used in its production were seized under Sections 52(1) and 26(1)(b), (d), & (f) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. An investigation is underway, and an unknown case has been registered. The team searched the surrounding to find traces of evidence leading towards the culprit, however, nothing substantial could be traced. The seized materials have been handed over to the Camp Officer (Headquarters), Tushnabad, for safe custody.
The entire operation was carried out under the supervision of Mr. Pramod Singh Forest Ranger, Range Officer, Tushnabad Range based on credible inputs received from a reliable source. General Public are requested to share information on any illegal forest and wildlife produce on the help line number 03192-255228. Identity of the informants will be kept confidential.
