Ograbraj, July 31: Acting swiftly on credible intelligence inputs, the staff of Police Station Ograbraj executed a well-coordinated raid at a clandestine timber storage site, resulting in the seizure of a significant cache of illegally sawn Padauk wood.
On 23/07/2025, acting on a credible information regarding storage of illegally swan timber, a team was immediately mobilised under the leadership of Inspector Stalin N S, SHO PS Ograbraj comprising of SIs Mohammed Rafique, Sushanta Debnath, Vikas Yadav, HCs Ashok Roy, Tanveer Hassan, S. Vijay Kumar, Khokan Dutta, Cephas and PCs Abubacker Siddique, Martin, Rakesh Halder, Rohan Lal, Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Mohd. Azad, Alinjor Ekka, Elaiza, Saied Meera, Rakesh Narayan, Vishal Panna, Bijender Gop, Prakash Halder and Abdul Rahman.
The team immediately rushed to the target location situated behind the Government Middle School, Ograbraj, where a tin-roofed structure was found securely locked. A preliminary inspection through visible openings revealed a considerable volume of timber stockpiled inside. Further, in presence of local Panchayat officials and adhering to due legal procedures, the lock was broken open. Upon entry, the team uncovered a flagrant instance of forest law violation i.e. 4.08 CBM of illegally sawn Padauk timber, accompanied by suspicious and potentially incriminating tools, including two high-powered chainsaws (Wood Cutter and Golden Bullet, both 3.1 HP) and a Makita-branded handheld circular saw.
Subsequent investigation established that the shed belonged to Shri Shia Muddin, an ex-serviceman. The entire consignment both timber and cutting equipment were seized on the spot under relevant sections of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The seized items were formally handed over to the Forest Department for further legal action.
The entire operation was carried out under the close watch & supervision of Shri Ajay Rai, DANIPS, SDPO Bambooflat and overall supervision of Shri Manoj Kumar Meena, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
The general public is urged to play an active role in maintaining law and order by promptly reporting any instances of crime or illegal activities to police at 100, 112 & 03192-250525. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.