Crime branch Bhopal police nabbed two persons involved in smuggling Sandalwood near Tumda trisection and recovered around 2.25 quintals of Sandalwood worth Rs 3 lakh from their possession on Sunday.
The crime branch acted swiftly after receiving information of miscreants carrying Sandalwood and traced car bearing registration number UP77T9358 and when the car was searched Sandalwood was recovered from the car.
Initially nothing was found in the car but when checked thoroughly a cabin box was made between chassis and body of the car and when it was removed Sandalwood was found. The nabbed accused was identified as Amit Yadav (38) and Vivek Kumar (30) of Kanpur. The two work as driver. Accused confessed that they brought Sandalwood from Maharashtra and were on their way to Kanpur. The police seized the vehicle and recovered Sandalwood which was around 2.25 quintals worth Rs 3 lakh. Details of the nabbed accused is been searched and Uttar Pradesh police would be contacted to obtain details of the accused regarding involvement in Sandalwood smuggling and other crimes in the region and other areas. The detail of the car is yet to be found. Police suspect that for the purpose of smuggling the two might have stolen car and used the same in the crime. The police have registered a case under section 26, 41, 42, 53 and 64 Indian Forest Act 1927, sections 5, 15 and 16 of Minor Forest Produce Regulation of Trade 1969 and section 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984. Police have started further investigation in the matter.