Srinagar: Police on Friday said it foiled an illegal timber smuggling bid in Pulwama district and arrested two persons, while seizing timber logs and animals used for transportation.
According to a police spokesperson, acting on specific inputs about illegal movement of forest timber, a naka was laid at Gabalpora to intercept smugglers reportedly moving from Shopian towards Pulwama. During the operation, a group carrying timber on horses was spotted.
On noticing the police presence, some individuals attempted to flee; however, two accused were apprehended on the spot. They have been identified as Javaid Ahmad Wagay of Nardpora, Shopian, and Mehraj Ahmad of Drach, Rajpora.
Police said 12 timber logs, along with two horses used for transportation, were seized during the operation, while other suspects managed to escape, taking advantage of the terrain.
A case (FIR No. 42/2026) under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Rajpora, and further investigation has been initiated to identify and apprehend the remaining accused.
The spokesperson said police remain committed to curbing illegal activities and safeguarding natural resources.