Srinagar, Aug 11 (KNS): A vehicle loaded with illegally sourced deodar timber was seized by the Forest Department in north Kashmir's Handwara district, officials said on Tuesday.
Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of Forest Department officials from Langate Rajwara range laid a trap near Goar Masjid Baderher during the intervening night of August 10 and 11, they said.
The team intercepted a Santro car, bearing registration number HR 16H 1611, which was later found to be fake, officials added.
The driver, however, managed to flee taking advantage of the darkness. He was identified as Javid Ah Mir, son of Yousaf Mir, resident of Bagathpora, Handwara, officials said.
The vehicle along with the seized timber was confiscated and a case was registered under the relevant sections of the Forest Act, they added.
Efforts are on to nab the absconding accused, while further investigations are underway to ascertain the source of the illicit timber, officials said. (KNS)