Digboi, May 1 -- Amidst ongoing concerns over widespread encroachment in Assam, the Lekhapani Forest Department has summoned Jewel Ali, a prominent Tea businessman of Margherita in Upper Assam's Tinsukia district, to appear before the Investigating Officer (IO) on May 3, 2025.

Lekhapani Range Case No. LP/01 of 2024-25, concerning alleged violations under multiple sections of the Assam Forest Regulations Act of 1891, links the summons to Jewel Ali.

The case involves alleged breaches of sections 24, 25 (a), 25 (d), 25 (e), 25 (f), 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, and 49 of the stringent Assam Forest Regulations Act, 1891.

Official correspondence No. LP/ 16/2025/29-30 states, "There are reasonable grounds to question you to ascertain facts and circums...