Boko, Sept 3: A tense situation gripped Kaliyabori in Boko late Monday night after locals intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting a large consignment of teak timber, once again putting the West Kamrup Forest Division under the scanner for failing to curb rampant illegal timber trade.
Eyewitnesses said a TATA ACE (Reg. No. AS01 EC 2561) was stopped by local youths, who found a substantial quantity of teak wood hidden inside. Soon after, a vehicle from the Bamunigaon Forest Range arrived. Instead of commending the youths, forest personnel allegedly fired a round in the air and confronted them.
Locals accused the department of protecting timber traders, a charge raised repeatedly in the past. “This is not the first time. Night after night, timber-laden vehicles pass through the Boko–Poyranga route, and the authorities turn a blind eye,” said one resident.
Amid the chaos, two to three youths were reportedly assaulted. One of them, identified as Bidyut Das, was detained.
Video footage circulating locally shows Forest personnel physically assaulting him. The situation was brought under control after the Boko Police reached the spot.
The incident has reignited anger over what many see as the West Kamrup Forest Division’s failure to dismantle a well-organised timber smuggling network.
Despite repeated seizures and protests, the illegal trade in valuable timber continues, raising questions over accountability within the department.
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