UT News Service | Ukhrul, Aug 22: Troops of Assam Rifles (AR) under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) apprehended Rs 20 Lakhs worth of Pinewood illegally transported to Imphal through Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, said a press release dated August 21, 2020, from the Inspector General of AR (South).
AR said, based on specific inputs received from reliable sources regarding move of smuggled timber in the area, a vehicle check post at Lambui was activated at 09:00 PM on 20 August 2020. At around 10:00 PM, 05 Tata Trucks were intercepted. 02 trucks were moving from Kamjong bearing registration number MN-01-8251, MN-04-3175 and 03 TATA trucks bearing registration number MN-01-8017, MN-05-3905 and MN-04-0889 were travelling from Ukhrul to Imphal.
On carrying out thorough checking of the vehicles and inspection of their documents, it was found that the consignment of timber was being illegally transported. On enquiry, it was found that the Tata Trucks were being driven by Mr. Santosh Bhandari, r/o Ukhrul; Mr Prem Singh, r/o Khurei vill; Mr Lukhoi Singh, r/o Lamkai vill; Mr Ngaraipam Kashung, r/o Ukhrul and Mr Tomba Singh, r/o Imphal. The drivers were not in possession of any documents or bills, the press release said.
The vehicles, timber alongwith the dvrs and Co-drivers were handed over to the Shangshak Police Station at 07:30 AM on 21st August. The total quantity of pinewood is 2300 cubic feet and its value is estimated at Rs 20 Lakhs, concluded the AR press release.
