Dima Tea Garden Manager Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Felling of 130 Trees in Alipurduar

MP, Oct 14, 2026, Alipurduar: The arrest of Abhijit Raha, manager of Dima Tea Garden in Kalchini block of Alipurduar district, on Tuesday over allegations of illegally felling around 130 shade trees has triggered strong protests from tea industry bodies and a workers’ union.

Raha was subsequently handed over to the police by the authorities of Buxa Tiger Reserve. He was later granted bail by an Alipurduar court.

According to the Forest Department, the garden management had obtained permission to fell trees in designated sections where excessive shade was reportedly affecting fresh tea leaf production. However, allegations later emerged that an additional 130 trees were cut in areas where felling was not authorised.

During the investigation, Raha reportedly submitted a written apology and expressed his willingness to pay a fine. Police registered a case against him under the Forest Conservation Act, 1972.

Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon said: “No one will be spared for taking the law into their own hands. We will also conduct a detailed investigation to determine whether trees are being felled illegally in other tea gardens across North Bengal.”

The Indian Tea Planters Association strongly criticised the arrest, alleging that Raha was handed over to the police without being given an opportunity to present his defence.

Amitanshu Chakraborty, secretary of the association, said: “Dima Tea Garden had recovered from financial difficulties over the past two decades and had paid a 20 per cent bonus in accordance with the state government’s directive.”

He questioned the proportionality of the action, citing the livelihoods of around 2,500 workers and employees.

The BJP-backed tea workers’ union, BTWU, also criticised the Forest Department. Its district general secretary, Rajesh Barla, alleged that officials had acted in haste and warned of serious consequences if workers’ interests were affected.

Meanwhile, Raiganj Social Forestry Division officials and police raided unauthorised sawmills in Nandangram and Chapot villages under Itahar Police Station in North Dinajpur on Tuesday, seizing machinery, timber and other equipment.

Divisional Forest Officer Bhupen Biswa Karma said cases would be initiated against the mill owners for allegedly ignoring previous warnings.