Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Security agencies have uncovered a major nexus between illegal timber operations in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh and terror financing. Investigations reveal that profits from large-scale deforestation are being channeled to support extremist networks across several states.
The racket, operated by Mohan Tahir from Godhra, Gujarat, has allegedly generated around ₹200 crore over the past three years through illegal felling and trade of Khair wood, valued at nearly ₹700 crore in the market. To store the timber, a secret depot under the name “Shalimar Enterprises” was established on private land in Malwai village, Alirajpur district, managed by Arif Ali Makrani.
The case first came to light in June 2024 when a truck carrying illegally sourced timber from Alirajpur was intercepted in Gujarat. Subsequent joint operations by forest authorities seized over 2,000 metric tons (1,600+ cubic meters) of Khair wood. The investigation revealed that the timber trade was active across Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP, Karnataka, Telangana, and was even transported to Haryana and Delhi.
Link to Terror Networks:
Central agencies linked the Alirajpur depot to extremist networks, including ISIS-inspired modules. Funds generated from the illegal trade are reportedly used for terror financing. Key individuals, including Sachin Fakle and Khalil Usman Mulla, have been identified in connection with both the timber racket and terror funding.
On December 11, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids across 40 locations in Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The raids resulted in the seizure of ₹9.70 crore in cash, gold worth ₹6.6 crore, hawala records, digital devices, extremist literature, and assets acquired through criminal activity.
The depot owner, Mohan Tahir, remains absconding, having reportedly left India for Hajj and not returned as of November 2025. Authorities warn that proceeds from the illegal timber trade may have been used for anti-national activities.
Official Concerns:
Khair wood was previously a protected species in Madhya Pradesh, but delisting in 2021 has allowed its trade and storage to flourish unchecked. Officials question why the depot, traditionally known for Sal and other timber, stored only Khair wood, suggesting a deliberate operation for illegal profit and terror funding.
As multiple agencies—including the forest departments of several states, ATS, ED, and NIA—probe deeper, the Alirajpur Khair timber case has evolved from a forest crime issue into a serious national security concern.
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