Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Aug 22: In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that four more sandalwood trees had been stolen from the compound of IGP's bungalow at Maryhill in the city on July 29. This theft happened at 2 am on that day.
It was reported on Monday August 21, that one sandalwood tree was stolen from the compound of IGP's bungalow.
It is learnt that a complaint was registered about the theft of four trees and forest department was informed. Deputy commissioner of the city commissionerate gave this information and that a first information report about it was filed in Kavoor station. Investigation is in progress in this case, it is gathered.
The police department had informed forest department about these thefts on July 30 and the forest department had not done any follow up although the issue falls within that department. On Monday, officials of forest department visited the said bungalow, scrutinized the stumps of the four sandalwood trees and prepared an inquest report. There was inordinate delay on the part of the department in taking cognizance of the theft and doing something about it.
Range forest officer, Sridhar, said that three of the stolen trees were of normal size, while the fourth one was a big tree. He added that Kavoor police are investigating the matter and it is up to police department to find out the culprits. He felt that verification of CCTV footage at the bungalow might be able to throw more light on the thefts. The forest department does not have any record about types and number of trees standing in the bungalow of the IGP, it is gathered.
Former IGP, Harishekaran, said he is not aware of the thefts, although complaint of theft of four trees was registered when he was the IGP here. Current IGP, Hemant Nimbalkar, said that he had asked the city police commissioner to investigate the matter with all seriousness. He said he would be asking the concerned to list out the variety and number of trees standing in the bungalow area.