TV
In a major crackdown on forest crimes, Odisha’s Forest Department and Vigilance teams jointly raided a high-tech illegal sawmill in Rangamatia village under the Kaptipada forest range of Mayurbhanj district on Monday, uncovering a large stockpile of illegal timber and protected wildlife artefacts.
The operation, which unfolded over two days, led to the seizure of over Rs 23 lakh worth of timber, including valuable sal and sagwan (teak) wood, along with multiple deer antlers suspected to be linked to poaching activity.
Reports stated that three individuals, identified as sawmill owner Gyanaranjan Das of Rangamatia and two associates, Rajendra Bhuyan and Samarendra Bhuyan from Balasore district, were arrested in connection with the case.
High-Tech Setup, Deep Forest Reach
Sources reported that officials were stunned by the sophistication of the illegal setup. The sawmill, mounted on mobile platforms and fitted with advanced cutters, could be transported into forest interiors, allowing rapid felling and processing of timber on-site.
A diesel-powered generator unit installed on a separate vehicle enabled an uninterrupted power supply for remote operations, irrespective of location or connectivity.
“This is not a conventional mill,” said Achyutananda Das, Ranger of Kaptipada Forest Range. “It was designed for stealth and speed, capable of cutting and clearing large forest patches swiftly.”
The raid also revealed the use of advanced logistics as the timber was already loaded for transport, and the equipment showed signs of extensive field operation. The presence of deer horns at the residence of the accused confirmed the forest department’s suspicion that the operation was not limited to timber smuggling but extended to wildlife poaching as well.
Officials stated that further forensic and ecological assessment will determine the extent of forest loss and wildlife damage caused by the sawmill’s operations.
Ongoing Crackdown in Mayurbhanj
The raid is part of an intensified drive by forest authorities to curb illegal logging and poaching activities in northern Odisha, particularly in and around Similipal Tiger Reserve. The Kaptipada region, which serves as a crucial ecological buffer, has seen increased vigilance following a rise in illicit timber trade and wildlife offences.
The arrested individuals will be booked under multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act and the Forest Act. More arrests are likely as the investigation deepens.
