Range Forest Officer Dies While Chasing Timber Smugglers in Gujarat; Govt Orders Probe

Gandhinagar: Range Forest Officer (RFO) Vikas Desai was killed in an accident while chasing suspected timber smugglers in the Tapti range of Tapi district, prompting the Gujarat government to announce a detailed investigation and reiterate its zero-tolerance policy against forest-related crimes.

Paying tribute to the officer, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia described Desai’s death as an irreparable loss to the Forest Department. He said the officer had acted immediately after receiving information about smugglers fleeing with illegally cut valuable timber and was fatally injured while pursuing their vehicle.

The minister said Desai’s courage and dedication to protecting forests and natural resources would remain a source of inspiration for the department. He added that protecting forests and wildlife is a vital responsibility to safeguard the environment and future generations.

On behalf of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state government and the Forest Department, Modhwadia expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength to help them cope with the loss.

He said a thorough probe into the incident has been launched and assured that strict action would be taken against those involved in illegal activities that harm forest resources.

Desai, a native of Bhatsar village in Patan district’s Chanasma taluka, had joined the Forest Department three years ago after serving as a Deputy Section Officer in the Secretariat. He is survived by his parents, wife and five-year-old son.

Minister of State for Forest Praveen Mali, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Jaipal Singh and other senior Forest Department officials also paid tributes to the slain officer and extended their condolences to his family. DeshGujarat