Madhya Pradesh: Man imposed with fine of Rs 1.21 crore for cutting down 2 trees

Chotte Lal Bhilala of village Silvani under the Bhamori forest range in district Raisen had cut two Sagon trees on January 5 this year

With the oxygen crisis wreaking havoc across the country, a forest official in Madhya Pradesh has sought to highlight the importance of trees by imposing a fine of Rs 1.21 crore on an alleged member of the forest mafia for cutting down two Sagwan trees. The accused identified as 30-year-old Chotte Lal Bhilala of village Silvani under the Bhamori forest range in district Raisen had cut two Sagon trees on January 5 this year. A case was registered against him after recording a statement of locals who alleged that he was part of the forest mafia and was selling Sagwan wood for furniture.The accused who had managed to give a slip to the forest officials was arrested on April 26. A fine on Bhilala was imposed by Bhamori forest ranger Mahendra Singh who claimed that it was imposed on the basis of scientific calculation of benefits accrued from a tree during its lifetime.