Mumbai

The Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday alleged that teak wood smugglers in Chandrapur district are enjoying political patronage, raising concerns over an organised illegal network.

Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that forest officials in the Brahmapuri area are being threatened and pressured by local leaders to go easy on smugglers.

He cited a recent incident where a forest official seized two tractors carrying teak wood but was allegedly forced by a local politician to release both the vehicles and the accused.

Describing the issue as an organised racket rather than isolated theft, Wadettiwar said armed gangs were operating in Naxal-affected regions. He also suggested examining call detail records (CDRs) of suspects and providing arms to forest personnel for protection.

Responding to the allegations, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik assured the House that an inquiry would be conducted.

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Naik said action would be taken if officials were found to have released accused under pressure. He added that CCTV footage and CDRs would be analysed to trace the network and that any organised gang involved would be dismantled.