Guwahati, May 1 -- Reserve forest areas within the West Kamrup Division in Assam are facing a severe threat from rampant illegal deforestation and soil mining, with allegations pointing towards the complicity of forest officials.

The situation has drawn public outrage and exposed systemic failures in forest protection.

The crisis surfaced after residents of Sukuniapara-Boripara raised alarms about illegal excavation in the Bondapara range, a sensitive area that also serves as a wild elephant corridor.

Upon visiting the site, West Kamrup Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Subodh Talukdar was reportedly shocked by the level of destruction.

Deputy Range Officer Bhairab Chandra Sharma failed to produce valid documentation when questioned abo...