Timber smuggler evading arrest, apprehended in Handwara: Police

Kupwara, Nov 10: A timber smuggler who was evading arrest since March this year was apprehended by Police in the Qalamabad area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Police said Friday.

An official said that Muhammad Ashraf Chechi, son of Lal Din Chechi of Shilthra Qalamabad was arrested by Police after a reliable input was received about his movement.

He said that the accused had been a habitual offender forcing authorities to issue a warrant against him under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

“The PSA warrant against him was issued by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara in March this year and since then the accused has been evading arrest,” he said.

Meanwhile, an official of the Forest Department said that the arrest of a few more habitual timber smugglers was on the cards.

“We have recommended the arrest of a few more timber smugglers under the PSA. Hopefully, they will be booked soon,” he said.