Guwahati, March 22 -- A team of forest officials in Dhakuakhana, Lakhimpur, Assam, was involved in a nighttime pursuit of a vehicle carrying illegally felled timber on March 21, while the world observed International Day of the Forests.

The vehicle, a mini truck (registration number AS29 C 0765), was traveling from Majuli and was loaded with Shimalu wood.

The truck was intercepted at Sonari Chapori by the forest department, but the driver refused to stop, prompting a 15-kilometer chase.

Led by Forest Beat Officer (FBO) Karabi Hazarika of Dhakuakhana Forest Sub-Beat, the team pursued the vehicle along the Dhakuakha-Majuli PWD Road and eventually overtook it at Bamun Gaon, near the Dhakuakhana Court.

However, the driver and two accompli...