A team of forest officials had launched action against alleged unauthorised excavation and road construction within the forest boundary. While the officials were transporting the seized machines, Shiv Sena corporator Mamit Chougule allegedly stopped them
Police said that no arrests have been made so far, and further investigation is underway. Representational Pic/File
A case has been registered against Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena corporator for allegedly manhandling forest department personnel and taking away a seized JCB machine during an anti-encroachment drive in Navi Mumbai, police said on Tuesday, reported the PTI.
The incident took place on Monday afternoon at Ilthanpada, an area officially classified as reserved forest land.
A team of forest officials had launched action against alleged unauthorised excavation and road construction within the forest boundary.
According to an official, the forest team seized two JCB machines and detained the site supervisor at the location.
Obstruction allegations
While the officials were transporting the seized machines to their office, Shiv Sena corporator Mamit Chougule allegedly stopped them. He is accused of manhandling a forest worker and driving away with one of the JCB machines, according to the PTI.
Based on a complaint filed by forest officials, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Chougule, his driver and the site supervisor under Section 221 (obstructing a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the news agency reported.
Police said that no arrests have been made so far, and further investigation is underway.
Leopard claws, canine teeth and sambar antlers seized in Junnar, two held
Meanwhile, in an another incident, the Junnar Forest Division arrested two men for allegedly possessing and attempting to trade body parts of protected wildlife, including leopard claws and sambar antlers, officials said.
The action followed a tip-off received on February 16, 2026, about wildlife contraband being transported near Manchar.
A trap was set near Morade Foods Company, behind Jhatka Khanavali, where officials intercepted a white Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire.
During the search, the forest team seized approximately 3 kg of leopard claws, 3 leopard canine teeth and 4 sambar antlers, the officials said.
The vehicle used in the offence was also confiscated.
The arrested men were identified as Uday Shankar Surve, resident of Shirset, Shrivardhan, Raigad, and Nazim Karim Khan, resident of Vadvali, Shrivardhan, Raigad.
A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Sections 9, 39, 48(A), 51) at Manchar Forest Range (Offence No. WT-04/2026). Hunting, possession, transportation, and trade of protected wildlife species are serious offences, punishable with up to seven years in prison and fines, according to forest officials.
(with PTI inputs)
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