Bantwal: Forest officials have seized a vehicle illegally transporting wood here at Otepadpu in Manila village on Tuesday.

A pickup vehicle carrying 9 pieces of ‘Uppalige’ tree (Macaranga Indica) timber and firewood was seized.

Kanyana sub-zone forest officer P M Kariyappa, Vittal sub-zone forest officer S N Lokesh and team carried out the raid. They had earlier received information regarding illegal transportation of wood in the area.

A case has been registered in this regard. It is learnt that the accused fled the spot seeing officials.

Sub-zone Forest officer B T Prakash, forest guards Manjunatha G Naika, Rajendra Kumar, Mohan G, Sangamesh, forest viewer Sunil were involved in the operation.