Dhargalim man held for Khaira tree smuggling

Mapusa: Pernem forest department arrested Krishna Sawant of Dhargalim and seized his vehicle for allegedly smuggling Khaira trees. Sawant was apprehended by forest officials in the Dadachiwadi area.The arrest comes after officials noticed an increase in Khaira tree theft using vehicles.Sources said that tree smuggling was reportedly escalating while the department was focused on monitoring the movement of the Omkar elephant that had entered Goa from Dodamarg.He has been taken into custody along with the vehicle. The team, led by Pernem forest officer Harish Mahale, included forester Sunil Naik and forest staff members Sandeep Naroji, Jitendra Naik, Vishal Gavas, and Avinash Parab.