Karkala: In a significant crackdown, police have apprehended three individuals linked to the theft of valuable sandalwood trees, estimated to be worth ₹4 lakh, from a private property in Nitte village.
The incident took place within the jurisdiction of the Karkala Rural Police Station, where nine sandalwood trees were reportedly stolen from the garden belonging to Dinesh Shettigar.
Following swift investigation and local intelligence, the police arrested the suspects — Ganesh (44), a resident of Moodubella, Santosh (35) from Yennehole, and Moideen, also known as Moideen Kunhi (60), hailing from Balepuni in Bantwal taluk.
Authorities were able to recover a quantity of the stolen sandalwood logs from the accused. The seized wood is currently in police custody, and further forensic analysis is underway to confirm the species and exact value.
The three accused were produced before the jurisdictional court and are currently under judicial custody pending further inquiry.
Officials believe the group may be part of a larger network involved in smuggling rare and protected tree species, which are in high demand in black markets due to their aromatic and medicinal value.
Police sources indicated that more arrests could follow as investigations continue to identify other members involved in the illicit operation. The case underscores the growing issue of environmental crimes in the region and the need for stricter monitoring of high-value flora.