JHAPA: Eight people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in timber smuggling from a local community forest in Rajghadh in south Jhapa on Friday morning.

The suspects have been identified as Prem Tamang, Dipak Tamang, Chakra Limbu, Fulmaya Tamang, Resma Palangsutang, Srijana Tamang and Sarita Limbu from Jalthal-9, according to Chief of the Area Police Office in Rajgadh, Manoj Kumar Poudel.

They were arrested red handed with the timber that they had cut down from the Shanti Community Forest in Jalthal. The accused have been handed over to the District Forest Office for necessary action, Poudel said.