Karkala: Attempt to illegally transport trees worth over Rs 10 lakh foiled

Karkala: Attempt to illegally transport trees worth over Rs 10 lakh foiled

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, Sep 15, 2026: An attempt to illegally cut and transport trees from Kumki land in the reserve forest near Mutlupady Padu Darkhasu, within the Kudremukh National Park limits, was foiled following objections from local residents.

More than nine large trees, including Kiralu Bogi (Malabar Ironwood) and Hebbalasu, were allegedly felled. The total value of the trees is estimated at over Rs 10 lakh. The accused reportedly attempted to load and transport the felled timber in a lorry using a crane.

However, local residents objected to the activity and reportedly questioned the persons involved, who were unable to produce any permission or documents authorising the felling of the trees. Following the opposition, the accused allegedly abandoned the timber at the spot and fled.

According to local residents, the trees were felled at a location barely 50 metres from an anti-poaching camp. After photographs of the felled trees circulated on social media, Forest Department officials visited the spot, conducted an inspection and seized the timber.

Karkala Range Forest Officer Arun said information about the lorry and cranes allegedly used in the operation had already been obtained from CCTV footage. “A case will be registered and appropriate legal action will be taken,” he said.