Smart surveillance cracks inter-state teak smuggling network in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve
Raipur
A smart surveillance system deployed in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve has helped the Forest Department bust an inter-state teak smuggling network allegedly operating between Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Three persons have been arrested for allegedly attempting to transport illegally felled teak logs through the Udanti River.
The accused allegedly planned to turn the teak logs into a makeshift raft and use the river current to transport the timber towards Odisha.
The operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving smart surveillance, monsoon patrolling and ground intelligence. The arrested accused have been identified as Bhojlal Nagesh (38) and Gangaram Vishwakarma (34), both residents of Bargand village in Mainpur, Chhattisgarh. The third accused, Shob Charan Nayak (50), a resident of Sinapali in Odisha, was arrested with the assistance of Gariaband Police.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Om Prakash Yadav, Field Director Gurunathan N and Deputy Director Varun Jain.
Freshly Cut Teak Tree Found Near River
The breakthrough came on August 22, when forest personnel patrolling the Kurrawatha Beat in the North Udanti Range spotted a freshly cut teak tree stump on the bank of the Udanti River in Compartment No. 3.
A teak log tied with a rope to the roots of an Arjun tree was also found nearby.
Considering the possibility that the timber could be transported through the river, the department immediately activated its smart surveillance system and intensified monitoring of the area.
Surveillance Tracks Two Suspects
On August 26, surveillance inputs showed two persons moving suspiciously around the concealed timber. Technical surveillance followed by field verification led to their identification as Bhojlal Nagesh and Gangaram Vishwakarma.
Investigators alleged that the duo had illegally felled the teak tree and concealed the log inside the river. They allegedly planned to convert it into a floating raft and transport it towards Odisha using the river current.
Odisha-Based Accused Linked to Smuggling Network
Further investigation revealed the involvement of Shob Charan Nayak, who allegedly acted as an important link in the inter-state timber smuggling network.
According to the Forest Department, Nayak had earlier been wanted in forest offence cases. He allegedly provided a contract to the Chhattisgarh-based accused for felling the teak tree and arranged logistical support for transporting the timber across the state border.
The department said three other suspects remain absconding, and teams are conducting raids at their suspected hideouts.
Teak Log and Cutting Tools Recovered
During searches conducted after obtaining warrants, an axe and saw blades were reportedly recovered from Nagesh’s house.
The teak log recovered from inside the river measured approximately 0.95 cubic metre.
Since the offence allegedly occurred in the core area of the tiger reserve, a Forest Offence Report (POR No. 195/25) has been registered under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
The arrested accused were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gariaband. The Forest Department sought strict action and opposed bail. The accused were subsequently sent to judicial custody.
Smart Surveillance Continued Despite Monsoon
Forest officials said the operation was particularly significant as surveillance and patrolling continued despite heavy monsoon rainfall and difficult field conditions.
The department combined foot patrols, ground intelligence and technical surveillance to track suspicious movements around the concealed timber.
Officials said the successful arrests demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating modern surveillance technology with the traditional forest-protection network.
Assistant Director of Udanti Gopal Kashyap, North Udanti Range Officer Jyoti Dhruv and South Udanti Range Officer Chandrabali Dhruv, along with staff from both ranges and Gariaband Police, played key roles in the operation.
Forest guards Bhupendra Kumar Verdiya, Rohit Nishad, Yogesh Diwan, Rinki Joshi, Anup Jangde, Virendra Dhruv, Manoj Dhruv, Pavesh Nishad, Takeshwar Devangan and Suryadev Jagatvanshi were among those involved in the operation.
