Sandalwood smugglers nabbed

Nashik, June 9 (UNI) A seven-member gang of sandalwood smugglers was arrested at village Bhaurgaon in Deola taluka of the district today.

Police said at around 0600 hrs, a farmer, Pandurang Pawar, found some people near the sandalwood trees in his field. When he asked them about the purpose of their visit, they replied that they wanted to buy the sandalwood trees. He declined their offer and to his amazement, he found that they had already cut one tree. He immediately caught the duo with the help of others and informed the police.

When the duo were asked whether they had any associates with them, they said five others were waiting for them in a van by the roadside. A police team chased them and caught them and sandalwood worth Rs 5000 was seized from them. Their van was also impounded, police said.

The arrested accused are Mahadeo Kurade, Allahudin Rassul Sayyed, Sachin Gosavi, Vijay Magar, Vikram Gadge, Hanumant Khandagale and Mukhtyar Bhagwan.

UNI