A well-coordinated police raid in Ograbraj has led to the seizure of a significant volume of illegally sawn Padauk timber, reinforcing the authorities’ ongoing crackdown on forest-related offences in South Andaman. The operation, conducted on July 23 by a team from Police Station Ograbraj, uncovered 4.08 cubic meters of processed timber hidden inside a locked tin-roofed shed behind the Government Middle School in the area.
The action followed credible intelligence inputs about the illegal storage of timber. A rapid response team was immediately mobilized under the supervision of Inspector Stalin N S, SHO of PS Ograbraj. The team included Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, and Police Constables from the station, who acted swiftly to verify the tip-off and carry out the raid with procedural diligence.
On reaching the location, the team found the structure securely locked. A visual inspection through available openings confirmed the presence of a large stockpile of timber. In adherence to legal norms, the team broke the lock in the presence of local Panchayat officials. Inside, they discovered a substantial cache of Padauk wood, a valuable species protected under forest conservation laws.
In addition to the timber, the police recovered high-powered equipment used in illegal logging operations. These included two chainsaws, labeled “Wood Cutter” and “Golden Bullet,” both rated at 3.1 horsepower, and a Makita-brand handheld circular saw. The presence of such cutting equipment, combined with the volume of stored timber, points to a sustained and well-equipped illegal operation.
Initial investigation has revealed that the premises belong to a former serviceman, Shia Muddin. While further legal proceedings are being pursued, the seized timber and machinery have been handed over to the Forest Department, which will undertake detailed investigation and prosecution under applicable sections of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
The operation was conducted under the direct oversight of SDPO Bambooflat, Ajay Rai (DANIPS), and overall supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District, Manoj Kumar Meena (IPS). Officials stated that the success of the operation was a result of proactive policing, timely intelligence sharing, and inter-departmental coordination.
Padauk wood, known for its high commercial value and rarity, is heavily regulated due to overharvesting and ecological concerns. The seizure of over four cubic meters in a single raid is considered a major breakthrough and could lead to further investigations into the supply chain and possible involvement of timber mafias operating within the Islands.
Police have urged the public to cooperate in curbing such illegal activities by reporting forest crimes or suspicious storage facilities to emergency helplines – 100, 112, or 03192-250525. The department has assured that all informant identities will be kept confidential to ensure citizen safety and encourage community vigilance.
The case also highlights the growing need for community awareness on illegal logging and its environmental consequences. Padauk, being a native hardwood species, plays a crucial role in forest biodiversity. Unregulated felling can lead to habitat destruction and long-term ecological imbalances in a sensitive zone like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As investigations continue, enforcement agencies are expected to monitor related areas more closely and initiate preventive measures in collaboration with the Forest Department. The latest seizure serves as a clear message to timber offenders that the administration is stepping up enforcement to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Islands.
