Uttarakhand: Three people from Bihar arrested in Chamoli for promoting forest fires
Uttarakhand Police on Saturday arrested three people from Bihar for allegedly promoting forest fires in the state, officials said.
According to the police, a video came to light after it went viral on social media platforms wherein the three youths were promoting forest fires.
In the purported video, a youth can be heard saying, «Nobody challenges those who play with fire...and Biharis are never challenged.»
The accused have been identified as Brijesh Kumar, Salman and Shukhlal, all three residents of Bihar.
«They were booked under section 26 of the Indian Forest Act of 1927 and several other sections of the Indian Penal Code,» the officials added.
The incident took place in the Chamoli district's Gairsain area, the district SP Sarvesh Panwar said.
He further appealed people to not to indulge in setting fire in the forests or promote it as it is a punishable crime.
«Those who will not adhere to law, will be punished,» the district SP added.
Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP), Uttarakhand, Abhinav Kumar that several cases have been registered in nine districts in connection with forest fires in the state.
In accordance with a coordinated plan, the Police and Forest Departments will identify the areas impacted by forest fires and look into whether the flames started accidentally or on purpose, said the official.
The Uttarakhand DGP in conversation with on forest fires in the state said, «It is to be noted that 70 per cent of Uttarakhand is covered with forests. This makes forest
