Gujarat Forms SIT, ED Expands Probe Into Interstate Khair Wood Smuggling Racket

Surat: The Gujarat Forest Department has intensified its crackdown on an interstate Khair wood smuggling syndicate following the death of Tapi Range Forest Officer Vikas Desai during a chase of suspected smugglers. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to dismantle the network, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has expanded its money laundering probe linked to an earlier Khair wood smuggling case.

Desai was killed after a newly purchased Toyota Innova, allegedly carrying illegally felled Khair wood, rammed his official vehicle near the Songadh RTO check-post before both vehicles crashed into a parked truck. One alleged smuggler, Rehan Gamit, also died in the collision.

While Tapi police are investigating the crash, the Forest Department is targeting the larger syndicate. The ED, probing a Khair wood smuggling case registered in Mandvi under the Valsad Forest Division around 18 months ago, has already attached assets worth ₹11.50 crore. Investigators have traced the alleged smuggling route from South Gujarat to Dhule in Maharashtra and further into Madhya Pradesh.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the government has stepped up action against Khair wood smugglers across South Gujarat. “We are cracking down on Khair wood smugglers across the South Gujarat forest belt. The ED is investigating the money trail, while we have strengthened our intelligence network to dismantle the syndicate,” he said.

Officials said increased surveillance has forced smugglers to switch from trucks to SUVs and smaller passenger vehicles to evade detection.

The SIT, headed by Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Hitesh Jadav, has identified two key suspects in Maharashtra. A coordination meeting has already been held with the Dhule Forest Circle, and arrests are expected soon.

Tapi SP J. M. Desai said the arrested Innova driver, Hitesh Vasava, a former contractual employee at the Ukai Thermal Power Project, told investigators he had been promised payment for transporting the Khair wood.

The ED, which registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in January 2026, is examining bank records, property transactions and business dealings. It has named Mustaq Adam Tasiya, Mohammad Tahir Ahmed Hussain, and Arif Ali Amjad Ali Khan as the main accused. More summons and arrests are expected.

Khair wood, sourced from the Acacia catechu tree, is widely used to produce kattha for paan, Ayurvedic medicines, furniture, and charcoal, making it a lucrative target for organised smuggling networks. DeshGujarat