In a significant enforcement action, the Doda Police has initiated criminal proceedings against 15 individuals accused of deliberately igniting forest fires in the Bhaderwah Forest Division on the Complaint of the Forest Department, marking an intensified effort to combat environmental crimes.
A First Information Report (FIR No. 128/2024) has been lodged at Police Station Gandoh based on the formal complaint filed by the Block Officer of Forest Block Jai, Chirala Range. The primary accused, identified as Mohd Rafiq, son of Din Mohd Paray from Batogra, Tehsil Kahara, and his fourteen accomplices will face charges under Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act for allegedly starting a forest fire in Tanta, Tehsil Kahara on December 18, 2024. The incident resulted in extensive environmental damage, compromising both flora and fauna in the affected area.
Addressing the situation, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, IFS, Conservator of Forests Chenab, emphasized on the gravity of the situation: “The current dry spell has heightened our forest fire risks, but what’s particularly alarming is the emergence of deliberate fire-starting incidents. In response, I’ve directed all Divisional Forest Officers to pursue legal action against perpetrators through FIR registration.
While deliberating on the issue SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta- JKPS told that we were getting numerous reports of forest fires in the forests of Gandoh and Bhaderwah and when the matter was probed with the help of Forest Department it came to fore that some miscreants were using this tactics for their illegal timber business. He further added that this action underscores our zero-tolerance approach on this sensitive matter and affirms our unwavering commitment to forest conservation.”
