Odisha: 105 kg Sandalwood Worth Over Rs 10 Lakh Seized In Odisha; 3 Held
The seizure was made near Kharada Chhak on the Paralakhemundi-Gunupur state highway on Friday morning: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: Kashinagar police in Odisha’s Gajapati district have seized around 105 kg of sandalwood, estimated to be worth more than Rs 10 lakh, and arrested three persons for allegedly transporting the timber illegally.
The seizure was made near Kharada Chhak on the Paralakhemundi-Gunupur state highway on Friday morning, when a police team intercepted an auto-rickshaw acting on prior information about the illegal transportation of sandalwood, police sources said.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five large bags containing sandalwood weighing approximately 105 kg, the sources said.
Police also seized the auto-rickshaw allegedly used for transporting the timber, three mobile phones and Rs 4,000 in cash.
The arrested persons were identified as Siraj Khan and Akram Khan, both residents of Kusumi village under Tangi police limits in Khordha district, and Damodar Pradhan of Sansada village under Ramagiri police limits in Gajapati district.
A case has been registered at Kashinagar police station. Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the source of the sandalwood, its intended destination and the possible involvement of others in the alleged illegal trade.
Local police officials could not be contacted for their comments.