More than 500 trees worth millions of rupees were cut off and then stolen from government land in Sarai-e-Alamgir Tehsil of Gujrat, while two people were caught red handed felling the trees from the suburban village of Raniya, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
According to police, Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Akmal took timely action and conducted a raid at the site, leading to arrest of the two accused. Moreover, logs worth Rs45,000 were recovered from their possession and further investigation was underway.
It was learnt that Sub-Divisional Office (SDO) of Irrigation Department was also backing the timber mafia, and he misused his authority giving favors to the accused.
Resultantly, a case of only 45 trees worth Rs45,000 rupees was reported as stolen, as opposed to more than 500 trees worth Rs2.2 to 2.5 million rupees.
The locals protested against SDO of the department and demanded that the higher officials should take immediate notice of logging.
Reporter: Saghir Ahmad Rathore