Udhampur Forest Division Foils Timber Smuggling Attempt; Vehicle Seized Near Gouri Kund

UDHAMPUR, Feb 18, 2026 — In a successful midnight crackdown on forest crime, a specialized team from the Udhampur Forest Division intercepted a major timber smuggling attempt in the Gali–Katwalt area near Gouri Kund. During the intervening night of February 17, a forest squad led by the Block Officer of Kud spotted a suspicious vehicle transporting illicit forest produce.

Upon noticing the authorities, the driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the dense forest under the cover of darkness. The vehicle, heavily loaded with illegally felled timber, was immediately seized under the stringent provisions of the Forest Act and transported to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) office in Udhampur for formal legal processing.

The high-stakes operation was executed under the direction of Satyendra Maurya, IFS (DFO Udhampur), and the overall supervision of Pardeep Chandra Wahule, IFS (Conservator of Forests, East Circle).

Highlighting the department’s resolve, Range Officer Dudu, Suresh Jamwal, reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward timber smuggling and forest encroachments, warning that all individuals involved in such ecological crimes will face severe legal consequences.

An intensive investigation is currently underway to track down the absconding driver and dismantle the network behind the illegal transport of state forest resources.