Shopian, Aug 31 (JKNS): Police have registered a case after a huge deodar tree, nearly 50 feet long, was found illegally felled inside the premises of Government Middle School Padpavan in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.
Reports reaching news agency JKNS said the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Police Station Herpora, only a short distance from the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).
Officials said unknown persons used cutters and saws during the night to chop down the tree. A senior forest officer confirmed that an FIR No. 44/2025 has been registered at Herpora Police Station and investigation has been initiated.
The brazen act has raised serious questions, with locals expressing strong resentment over what they termed as the “open loot of green gold” in the district. They alleged that such incidents are recurring, accusing forest staff, contractors and timber smugglers of being part of a nexus behind the plunder.
Police assured that those involved in the illegal felling will be identified and booked under law. (JKNS)
