2 sandalwood smugglers held, 5 more on run

On July 17, the smugglers had axed a sandalwood tree grown on a public pathway behind Murugan mill in Saibaba Colony. They had loaded the woods in their car and left the spot.

Acting on a tip off, the city police launched intensive vehicle checks and tried to intercept their car in the same neighbourhood.

When the smugglers sped away without stopping, the police began a hard chase for about seven kilometres. The smugglers then got down their car and managed to escape.

Police seized the car and sandalwood logs kept in it. The Police then traced the number plate of the car and found the owner in the name of Govindaraj, 45 from Ayodyapatty in Salem district. He was picked up and acting on his information, the police nabbed his accomplice Vallarasu, 20 from Vazhapadi in Salem.

Inquiries with them revealed that five more persons were part of their gang and a search is on to nab them. Their modus operandi is to wander around during day time to identity grown up sandalwood trees and strike during night hours. The trees are usually smuggled to Kerala to oil and scent making units.

Police said that the same gang was involved in a series of incidents to axe and smuggle sandalwood trees. The police have increased vigil to prevent further theft of sandalwood trees and a search is on to nab other members of the gang.