Sambalpur: 6 quintals of 90 kg of Kendu Leaves were seized, 2 accused escapes

Nakti Deul: Illegal Kendu Leaves smuggling is on the rise in the Girishchandrapur Range and Nakti Deul Range areas of the Redhakhol forest in Sambalpur district. At around 10.30pm on Thursday night, a joint raid by the Girishchchandrapur Range and the Nakti Deul Range resulted in the seizure of 6 quintals and 90 kg of Kendu Leaves. During a patrol on both sides, the forest department found a pickup truck (OR-2 BL-5503) near Ganjabahal village illegally smuggling Kendu Leaves.

Girishchandrapur Range Officer Sushant Bandh, Forrester Sujit Pradhan, Nakti Deul Range Officer Ashwini Behera, Forrester Anil Kisan led the charge and seized 139 bundles, i.e. 6 quintals and 90 kg of illegal Kendu Leaves. The driver and the smuggler escaped during the smuggling. The estimated value of the seized centipede is Rs 1,12,000, according to the forest department.