RAYAGADA: MAFIA SMUGGLES VALUABLE TIMBER AMIDST FOREST FIRE UNDER RAYAGADA FOREST RANGE
Rayagada, Odisha – In a shocking incident, the mafia has taken advantage of the recent forest fire in Rayagada to smuggle valuable timber under the Rayagada Forest Range. The forest department’s attention was diverted due to the fire, allowing the mafia to cut down and smuggle out valuable trees.
The mafia has been active in the villages Vanija, Empalabalsa, and Boruhalua areas of Rayagada, smuggling timber to Podugubalsa in Andhra Pradesh. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and protection of Rayagada’s forests, especially during times of crisis like the forest fire.
DFO Sachin Anna Saheb Ohol has assured to inquire into the matter and take necessary action ¹.
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
