Varmul, Jan 2: The death of a villager in village Gowhan of kandi Varmul evoked strong protests in the area against the police and Government on Saturday. The residents said the victim along with nine others was forced by policemen of a nearby post to bring timber from the nearby forests where a tree fell on him.
 The deceased had been identified as Abdul Rashid Wani of Gowhan, a village seven kilometres from Varmul town. The locals said the policemen of the local police post have been forcing the residents to indulge in timber smuggling.
 According to the father of the deceased, a tree fell on Rashid resulting in his instant death.
 “Soon after night prayers, cops of the local police post arrived at our home directing us to bring timber from the nearby jungle. They gathered 10 persons of the village,” said Abdul Ahad Wani, father of the deceased. He said the residents of the village were frequently forced by the policemen to bring timber from the forests.
 On Saturday, the locals protested against the incident. The furious residents demanded stern action against the policemen involved in the illegal practice.
 “This is most unfortunate that the police is forcing the locals to indulge in this illegal practice. The incident is eye-opener for the authorities that how our jungles are being looted,” said Farooq Ahmad of Gowhan.
 DSP Varmul, Sheikh Faisal, said police have registered a case and started investigation. “The preliminary reports suggest that the victim has died while cutting a tree in the nearby forest. We are looking into the allegations of the locals that they were forced to collect wood from the jungle,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 2 Jan 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 2 Jan 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 3 Jan 2010 00:00:00 IST