Panchkula police have arrested a fifth suspect in the illegal felling of khair trees in a government forest area at Surajpur in Pinjore, widening the investigation into the alleged theft of protected forest timber. The accused, identified as Hanni, was arrested on October 12, police said.
Hanni is a resident of Patiala district and is currently living in Model Town, Pinjore. His arrest follows investigations into a case registered at Pinjore police station on September 8 after officials from the Kalka forest department reported that a group was cutting trees and loading timber into a pickup truck.
According to the police account, officials intercepted the vehicle during the operation, but two individuals fled from the spot. The authorities seized 18 khair logs from the pickup truck and found seven trees that had already been felled in the forest area.
Four other suspects had been arrested earlier in the case. They were identified as Sanjeev Kumar, also known as Sanju; Vishal, also known as Chinu; Krishan Kumar; and Rinku Kumar. Police also recovered two iron saws allegedly used in the tree-felling operation.
The case places the focus on the enforcement challenges involved in protecting forest land located near expanding settlements and transport routes. The available police account does not specify the total quantity or estimated value of the timber allegedly removed, nor does it state whether the accused had any prior cases related to forest offences.
Panchkula police commissioner Pankaj Nain said strict legal action would be taken against people who harm natural resources. “It is the responsibility of us all to protect our forests and the environment. No individual involved in such crimes will be spared,” he said.
The investigation is continuing, with the police expected to establish the individual roles of the five accused and determine the wider network, if any, involved in cutting, transporting or handling the timber. The case remains linked to the forest department’s report and the recovery of logs, tools and the felled trees from the Surajpur area.
