Boko: Tension erupted in Kaliyabari village under Boko subdivision on Tuesday night after locals intercepted a vehicle carrying a large quantity of illegal teakwood. The situation escalated when a Bamunigaon Forest Range team fired blank rounds to disperse the crowd.
Locals Intercept Illegal Timber Vehicle
According to villagers, the vehicle was speeding through the area when youths stopped it for inspection. They discovered it was loaded with valuable teakwood allegedly meant for illegal supply.
Within minutes, forest officials from Bamunigaon arrived at the spot. Eyewitnesses reported heated arguments as officials attempted to seize the vehicle, triggering clashes with some villagers.
Forest Officials Injured in Clash
To control the situation, forest personnel fired in the air, dispersing the gathering. A local youth, identified as Bidyut Das of Kaliyabari, was detained by the officials.
Two forest staff members, Aditya Hazarika and Hafizul Rahman, sustained minor injuries during the confrontation.
Allegations and Official Response
A section of villagers alleged links between some forest officials and timber smugglers. They claimed such incidents often arise from mistrust over enforcement actions.
Bamunigaon Forest Range Officer Aminul Islam denied the allegations. “Our only objective was to prevent illegal timber transportation. The situation turned tense due to a misunderstanding,” he clarified.
Incidents of villagers intercepting suspected timber-laden vehicles before officials arrive are reported frequently in the area, fueling ongoing tensions between residents and authorities.
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