TURA: A group of three inter-state timber smugglers ferrying a truck load of pine logs from Shallang in Khasi Hills to Rongsai in Assam were on Tuesday night caught by NGOs from North Garo Hills near Tekachang at Resubelpara.
The combined NGOs comprising of the GSU, FKJGP, FAF and AAYF intercepted a truck bearing registration number ML 09 – 8285 at around 8 pm where upon further inspection, it was found that it was transporting timber without any valid documents from the Forest Department.
The three accused have been identified as Abdul Awal from Nidanpur and Kadeep Ali from Goalpara in Assam and Francis Mawlie from Shallang in Khasi Hills. According to the organisations, the three accused along with the truck load of timber have been handed over to the Mendipathar police and an FIR filed.
What has baffled the organisations is how the smugglers were able to get past so many check gates, police stations and police outposts during their journey via Rongjeng, Songsak and Dagal. The only paper that the smugglers were able to produce was a transit pass signed by the Songsak GDC Ranger. The driver did not have a licence and other documents.
