I Held for Rebuilding Illegal Stretch of Road in Aravallis

Nuh police arrested one man on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to rebuild a road in Basai Meo village in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli hills, police officials said, adding that another accused in the case remains absconding.

- Leena Dhankhar

GURUGRAM:

The 1.5 km-long illegal stretch had earlier been razed following directions from the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC), officials said.

The police identified the arrested man as Saikul Khan, a resident of Basai Meo village, in Ferozepur Jhirka. His accomplice, Mohammad Ali, is currently at large, police said.

Khan was arrested on Wednesday after forest beat staff on night patrol caught the duo allegedly cutting rocks and refilling the pathway through the Aravalli forests. A complaint was immediately filed by the forest department, triggering legal action. "These are clear attempts to subvert forest protection and facilitate illegal access for mining. We acted promptly and will not tolerate such violations," said Vineet Kumar Garg, principal chief conservator of forests, Haryana.