Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (MS)
Beltangady, Jul 14: Sandalwood logs weighing 325 kg worth Rs 8.60 lac were stolen from the forest department's warehouse, near Santhekatte, by breaking and entering. This incident came to light on Saturday, July 14.
The forest department was keeping the logs that were confiscated in various cases at the warehouse and the recent theft has led to many suspicions. In addition to the sandalwood pieces, a stock of barbed wire is maintained in the compound of the warehouse. When a staff member of the forest department went to remove some barbed wire from the compound, this incident came to light.
The last time the warehouse opened was on July 2, in order to remove the barbed wire. Post that no one entered the premises. The thieves gained entry by breaking open the lock, they stuck the broken lock with gum so that no one notices anything out of place. There is a possibility that the incident took place a week ago. The police are suspecting that the sandalwood logs were first manually shifted from the warehouse to the outside compound and then transported through a vehicle.
The warehouse in question is adjacent to the residence of Forester of Beltangady. The Forester was on leave since a few days and it is said that the thieves, were aware of the Forester's absence and planned the theft accordingly. The forest officer informed that there were around 400 kg of sandalwood in the warehouse and with the theft taking place, only 75 kg of sandalwood is left.
Sandesh P G, police circle inspector of Beltangady has given complete details of the incident to SP of the district as per the information received by him from the forest department. A case is registered as per the guidance of the SP and investigation is underway. Zonal forest officer Subbaiah Naik, appraised the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) regarding the whole incident.