Timber smugglers attack Forest Deptt officials in Pulwama village

PULWAMA — Timber smugglers on the intervening night of Friday-Saturday attacked a night patrolling party of Forest Control Room Pulwama, leaving two employees injured.

As per the reports reaching here, the ‘brutal attack’ by timber smugglers was carried out when the team was on a routine night patrolling in Mitrigam village of the district.

“During the course of night patrolling, few timber-laden horses were spotted and when Forest Control Room Pulwama tried to intercept, they were attacked brutally with stones and sticks at around 3 AM in the morning hours on 01-05-2021,” sources said.

Identifying the injured duo as Fayaz Ahmad Dar and Firdous Ahmad, sources further said they have been able to seize a horse and some illegally-ferried timber during the raid. However, the Department’s vehicle got damaged in the incident.

Meanwhile, Range Officer Romshi called and sought assistance from SHO Pulwama, who immediately sent a police party for rescue and support.

The smugglers taking advantage of the darkness managed to fled the spot, they said.

The identity of culprits is being ascertained and an FIR shall be lodged in the concerned Police Station.

When contacted, Range Officer Romshi hailed the efforts of Forest Department officials who, despite being attacked brutally, succeeded in seizing one horse laden with illicit timber and also thanked SHO Pulwama for his timely response.