On July 18, Beltangady Forest Department officials conducted a raid in Puduvettu village, uncovering the illicit felling of 16 trees on government land survey numbers 142 and 281/2, which is in the possession of Dinesh Gowda. The officials seized 51 billets, 15.655 cubic meters of timber logs, and 3.000 cubic meters of firewood, as well as a lorry with registration number KA-18-A-1360 used for transporting the illicit timber. The estimated value of the seized items, including the lorry, is Rs. 6,30,000. Two individuals, Dinesh Gowda and lorry driver Shahaddunni Mohammed G, have been accused in the case. The Forest Department has registered a case against the accused under various sections of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963, and the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, 1976. The operation was led by Beltangady Range Forest Officer Mahesh M. Devadiga, along with Deputy Forest Officers Ravichandra and Nagesh, and Beat Forest Guards Ravi Jetti, Parashuram, Viresh, Pratap Kumar, and driver Kushal Gowda. The accused face charges for violating Section 33(2)(V), 71A of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963, Rule 25(3) of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969, and Section 8(1) of the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, 1976.
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📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK