Bhopal Sandalwood Thieves Target VIP Zones

Thieves have stolen sandalwood trees from high-security areas in Bhopal, including the bungalow of an IAS officer. The thefts have triggered concern in the state capital, with police suspecting an organised smuggling network linked to Kannauj.

The high demand and lucrative prices of sandalwood, which can fetch up to ₹25,000 per kilogram, appear to be motivating thieves to take risks. Police officials have identified several gangs involved in sandalwood theft and smuggling, operating from Doraha village in Sehore district and surrounding areas.

In the past, several sandalwood theft cases have been reported in Bhopal, including attempts to steal sandalwood from the Vidhan Sabha premises and the bungalow of a minister. Police investigations have revealed that stolen sandalwood is transported to Kannauj, where it is sold at high prices to perfume factories.

The police are working to identify the gangs involved in sandalwood theft, but so far, they have not made any breakthrough in the case of the theft from the IAS officer's bungalow. The destination of the stolen wood and the network involved in its transportation and sale can be established only after the suspects are identified and arrested.

In a related case, Kannauj police had recovered approximately 25 quintals of sandalwood, valued at more than ₹2 crore, from a house in December 2021. The house was being used by people involved in the illegal sandalwood trade.