3 arrested for trying to steal sandalwood near Channarayapatna

HASSAN: Forest department officials and staff conducted a raid and arrested three men when they were attempting to cut and transport sandalwood trees at Belasinde in Channarayapatna taluk. The officials seized sandalwood logs worth over Rs 20 lakh.

The incident occurred when the Forest department team, led by ACF Khalandar, raided the area and caught the culprits preparing to cut and transport the sandalwood trees. The arrested individuals are identified as Murthy, Nagesh and Nanjundappa.

The officials seized 548 kg of sandalwood logs worth over Rs 20 lakh, two two-wheelers, weapons and four mobile phones from the accused. A case has been registered against the three individuals by the Forest department.