Pune Sandalwood Heist: Thieves Steal Three Trees in Shelarmala Area
In a brazen early morning theft, a gang of four unidentified men targeted and stole three valuable sandalwood trees from the Shelarmala area off Katraj-Kondhwa Road in Pune. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, with the thieves executing their operation across three distinct locations within the Shelarmala vicinity.
Details of the Theft
The stolen sandalwood trees were taken from a housing colony, a farm, and a bungalow, indicating a coordinated effort by the perpetrators. Sandalwood, known for its high economic value in markets such as perfumery and traditional medicine, is often a target for such criminal activities due to its lucrative nature.
Following the discovery of the theft, a 66-year-old woman from the area took action by lodging a formal complaint with the Bharati Vidyapeeth police on Friday. This step highlights the community's concern over rising incidents of property and environmental crimes in the region.
Police Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities are currently investigating the case, with efforts focused on identifying the gang members and recovering the stolen trees. The theft not only represents a financial loss but also raises issues related to security and environmental conservation in urban and semi-urban areas like Pune.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and community cooperation in combating such crimes.
