Over 200 Kg of Sandalwood Seized in Pune’s Jadhavwadi; Accused Flees During Forest Department Raid
Over 200 Kg of Sandalwood Seized in Pune’s Jadhavwadi; Accused Flees During Forest Department Raid
Pune, May 8: A late-night operation led by the Forest Department in Jadhavwadi, under the jurisdiction of Junnar, resulted in the seizure of over 200 kilograms of illegally stored sandalwood. The accused, however, managed to evade arrest during the dramatic raid.
The action followed specific intelligence received on May 3, 2025, indicating the planned illegal movement of sandalwood in the area. Acting swiftly, a team from the Otur Forest Range set a trap on May 6.
At around 8 PM, officials intercepted a Hyundai Creta vehicle near the suspect’s residence. The accused, identified as Lahu Somnath Dhule, a resident of Jadhavwadi, attempted to flee with the vehicle key and succeeded in escaping under the cover of night. However, officials recovered a mobile phone during the brief scuffle.
Upon searching the vehicle, the team discovered eight sacks containing chopped sandalwood pieces weighing approximately 201.057 kg. Along with the timber, authorities also seized a digital weighing scale, a mobile phone, and the vehicle used for transport—valued collectively at ₹15 lakh.
A formal complaint has been registered under Sections 41 (2B), 42, and 69 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, as well as under relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Forest Rules, 2014.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Amrut Shinde confirmed that four separate forest teams have been assigned to track down and apprehend the fugitive. Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute stated that the accused could be a repeat offender, and all necessary legal action will be pursued based on the investigation.
The unauthorized cutting, movement, and storage of sandalwood is a serious environmental crime punishable by imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of ₹5,000 under existing forest laws.
