Gariaband (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 12 (ANI): A collaborative effort by police and forest officials has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle high-value teak planks, which were concealed in a pond, riverbanks, and a backyard, inspired by the film ‘Pushpa’, in a village within the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh.

Acting on intelligence regarding the illegal storage of teak planks, the joint team conducted a search in the village of Sahebinkachhar, leading to the recovery of the expensive timber from a pond and other hidden locations, as reported by Gariaband Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Varun Jain.

In addition to the teak planks, authorities also seized parts of a porcupine, traps, bombs, a petrol-powered chainsaw, three handsaws, and teak-made sofa sets during the operation, Jain noted.

The suspects, fearing legal repercussions, had concealed the teak planks in a pond and backyard, but these were discovered with the assistance of a dog squad.

During the search, a significant quantity of illegal planks hidden in the pond and backyard was retrieved. One individual has been arrested, while seven others remain at large. Preliminary investigations indicate that illegal furniture manufacturing is occurring in collaboration with teak smugglers from Odisha.

According to the DFO, warrants have been issued for several individuals including Chiman, son of Jayram Nagesh; Hari, son of Mangalram; Pustam, son of Gadharai; Upendra, son of Narayan; Rekhlal, son of Motiram; Sumersingh, son of Puran; and Jugraj Nagesh, son of Mayaram.

To conceal their activities, the accused hid the teak and Bija planks in a small pond, riverbanks, backyard, and other locations. Based on the investigation and evidence gathered, a case has been registered against the accused, and an inquiry has been initiated.