Guwahati: Forest department personnel intercepted and seized a excavator machine on Sunday at Belguri in Rani, near the Assam-Meghalaya border, while it was allegedly engaged in unauthorised excavation on government land.
Officials said the excavation was taking place along the boundary of a reserved forest area, close to periodic patta land belonging to one Dhanmani Mahanta.
According to preliminary findings, the activity had continued for several days, with excavated earth reportedly transported to multiple locations using dumper trucks.
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Rani Range Forest Officer Roji Barman conducted a daytime raid at the site and caught the machinery in operation.
On spotting the forest officials, the JCB operator and another individual accompanying him abandoned the machine and escaped.
The forest department later transported the seized excavator to the Rani range office for further legal action. Officials said they are examining the extent of the damage and the role of those involved in the alleged illegal excavation.