COX'S BAZAR, May 28, 2025 (BSS) - A court has directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to probe allegations of deforestation, including hill cutting, through the leasing of Balu Mahal in Chakaria upazila of the district and submit a report.

Chakaria Senior Judicial Magistrate Anwarul Kabir issued the suomoto order today.

Confirming the matter, Police Inspector Anwar Hossain, posted at the Chakaria Senior Judicial Magistrate Court, said the Superintendent of Police, Cox's Bazar PBI, has been instructed to submit a comprehensive investigation report within July 16.

The court has also authorized the arrest of any individual found to be involved in the deforestation process, he added.