Police Crackdown on Illegal Timber Smuggling in Nurpur

Major Seizure of Khair Logs by Damtaal Police

Sudhanshu Sharma
Nurpur
In a significant operation targeting illegal logging and smuggling of forest products, the Damtaal Police successfully confiscated 84 khair logs, two vehicles, and advanced tree-cutting tools during a routine checkpoint inspection. Nine individuals have been charged in relation to this incident.

On September 9, 2026, while on patrol near Indora Morh along the Pathankot–Mukerian road, officers stopped an Innova car (PB08 BL-9788) and an unregistered pickup truck coming from Damtaal. A detailed search uncovered 76 logs in the pickup and 8 logs in the Innova, along with an electric cutter, ten batteries, and three chains. The individuals in the vehicles could not provide valid permits or documentation for the timber transport. Forest officials were summoned to assess the seized timber, and all items, including the vehicles and equipment, were secured.

A case (FIR No. 144/2026) has been filed at the Damtaal Police Station under Sections 303(2), 3(5) of BNS and Sections 41 & 42 of the Indian Forest Act.

The accused have been identified as Rahul Kumar (Hoshiarpur, Punjab), Gurpreet Singh (Hoshiarpur, Punjab), Vikas Sharma (Kangra, HP), Govind (Damtaal, Kangra, HP), Balvinder Singh alias Bunty (Kangra, HP), Vishal (Damtaal, Kangra, HP), Ajay Kumar (Indpur, Kangra, HP), Om Prakash (Indpur, Kangra, HP), and Anil Kumar (Indpur, Kangra, HP).

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to uncover the origins, destinations, and broader smuggling operations linked to the illegal khair timber trade.

The Additional Superintendent of Police in Nurpur has reiterated that stringent measures will persist against the forest mafia and individuals involved in the unlawful exploitation of forest resources.