Claiming that there was also involvement of top government officials in the smuggling of red sandalwood, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Matrika Yadav said he would expose the smugglers before the public. 

Speaking at a program organized by Nepal Rangers Association on the occasion of its 18th anniversary in the capital Monday, minister Yadav said smuggling in the forest sector was continually rise because of some rapacious government employees.

“Because of a few corrupt people, the image of all the people working in the forest sector have become tarnished” minister said.

Stating that he was doing all he could do to stop it, Minister Yadav called upon all the officials to curb smuggling of red sandalwood and other valuable forest resources.

Minister Yadav last month had publicly blamed Nepal army of being involved in felling trees and killing wild animals.