NEPALGUNJ: Timber of Sal, Sisau and Khayar trees is being smuggled by felling trees uncontrollably in two dozen community forests and national forests across the Rapti River in Banke district. It was done with connivance of the timber traders, forest employees and community forest officials. Forest mafia is actively destroying community and government forests and taking 10-30 per cent commission from smugglers in Rapti villages. The District Forest Office is encouraging smuggling by keeping mum. Timber thieves have the silent support of the forest office. The most affected is Manda forest of Kamdi VDC. Involved in smuggling are some persons of Kamdi, Bankatti, Betahani and some across Rapti whereas Dang traders have the main role in smuggling. As forests are handed over to community, the users committees have some elites who destroy forest rather than protect it, said locals.