FPF hand in glove with timber smugglers

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Forest Protection Force (FPF) seized 90 feet illicit timber from a residential house in North Kashmir’s Rajwar area of Handwara town, however, the locals alleged that FPF men entered into a deal with the smugglers and released them, a charge confirmed by DFO Langete.

According to CNS, Forest Protection Force team from Compartment 61, raided the house of two brothers Muhammad Subhan Dar and Ghulam Rasool Dar and seized 90 feet illicit timber from their possession. Locals said that the raid was conducted during late hours in their presence but surprisingly the accused were released and no action was taken against them.

A Forest Protection Force employee Bashir Ahmed Var told CNS that the illicit timber was recovered from a nearby forest and not from the house of Dar brothers.

Locals alleged that the FPF team has entered into a deal with the accused and in lieu of bribe they were let off.

DFO, Langete, Irfan Ahmed Shah confirmed the report that timber was seized from the house. “I am investigating the matter whether some of the FPF men have entered into a deal with the accused or not. Locals are claiming that timber was seized from the house and I am looking into the matter to establish facts,” he said adding that he has called locals and everything will be clear within days.

He further said that if proven guilty strict action will be taken against the accused FPF employees.

Pertinently, in the same Rajwar area in past Forest Department had suspended scores of its employees including Deputy Director Forest Protection Force believed to be hand in glove with the timber smugglers.

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