Kanchanpur, Jan 18: A group of around 80 timber smugglers allegedly attacked a forester in Kanchanpur after forest officials confiscated illegally cut timber from the Langiyachara and Urihampara areas under Kanchanchara ADC village.

According to forest officials, smugglers had been using machines to cut trees illegally in the forests for several days. Acting on a tip-off, staff from the Kanchanpur Forest Patrol Office seized a large quantity of timber on Thursday.

Angered by the seizure, a group of around 80 smugglers reportedly stormed the Forest Patrol Office late Friday night. They attacked Forester Subrata Jamatia, broke into his quarters, vandalized property, and kidnapped him. Jamatia was taken partway down the road, assaulted, and then left behind by the attackers.

A case has been filed at Kanchanpur Police Station by Subrata Jamatia. Due to his injuries, he was unable to provide further comments when approached.

On Saturday morning, Divisional Forest Officer Suman Mulya rushed to Kanchanpur from Dharmanagar. Along with the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer and other staff, they visited the crime scene and conducted a search operation in the Langiyachara area, about 4 km from Kanchanpur. Several pieces of machinery and logs used for illegal logging were recovered.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the attackers and curb illegal timber operations in the region.