R S TEJUS:
A major cross-border sandalwood smuggling network has been busted at MM Hills in Karnataka. On the night of September 21, inside the forests of MM Hills Sanctuary, sandalwood smugglers and forest staff found themselves in a tense face-off leading to arrest one criminal.
In what turned out to be a dramatic operation, the MM Hills Sub-Division, MM Hills Range, and Kokkabare Beat staff foiled a cross-border smuggling attempt, exposing the workings of a highly skilled and organized network.
First Case: Torchlights in the Dark
At around 10:30 PM, forest watchers of the Kokkabare Beat noticed torchlights flickering repeatedly. Such signaling is often used by hunters and smugglers. Acting quickly but cautiously, a lower-rank staffer alerted nearby camps. Instructions were to approach slowly, as the suspects could be armed.
The Kokkabare beat staff remained hidden until the suspects came alarmingly close, right beside them. For a moment, guards feared being shot at point-blank range. When challenged, the suspects fled. One tripped and was caught, while another managed to escape.
CHANGING VERSIONS
The arrested man, a Tamil speaking person, gave contradictory answers. First, he claimed to be a daily-wage worker, then that he had come alone, and later admitted to following an “owner” to cut sandalwood. His travel story also kept changing from coming by bus to also using a motorbike.
To verify, the Range Forest Officer (RFO) accessed CCTV footage from the MM Hills temple. It showed three men carrying yellow bags, proving that more people were involved. One had already escaped back to Tamil Nadu and switched off his phone.
Second Case: Skilled Operator in MM Hills Range
While the first investigation continued, another breakthrough came in the MM Hills Range. Forest staff stopped a middle-aged man near Anetaledimba. His suspicious movements and sudden attempt to run triggered a chase, after which he was caught.
He pretended to be deaf and claimed he was only visiting a temple on Amavasye. But his bag told another story. Inside were over 11 kilos of freshly cut sandalwood bark, roots, and shoots, along with special indigenous tools. His skill was evident – he knew exactly how to peel bark and uproot roots without harming the valuable wood, showing professional training.
RFO’s Efforts and Team Coordination
The RFO played a central role in decoding the modus operandi. With police support, the first crime scene was recreated, which helped investigators confirm the suspect’s movements.
The RFO stressed that teamwork and inter-departmental coordination with the police are vital in tackling such crimes. He openly acknowledged the support of the police, his superiors, and his subordinates, crediting the collective effort for the breakthroughs.
A Well-Trained, Organized Gang
According to sources, the gang is well-organized and highly selective in recruitment. They only bring in people:
- Who can identify sandalwood trees hidden in thick jungles.
- Have the stamina to walk miles at night and run fast if chased.
- Possess special skills to cut bark and roots without damaging the heartwood.
- Are willing to remain silent about the masterminds even if caught.
Many are poor villagers from Tamil Nadu lured with quick money. They form the lowest rung of the network and are easily replaced, while the real kingpins stay out of reach and in hiding.
Beyond MM Hills: A Larger Problem
This is not limited to one forest zone. Sandalwood smuggling is rampant across Karnataka. According to reports, such activity also occurs in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and parts of the Shivamogga forests.
Closer home, Chamarajanagar district – already home to Bandipur Tiger Reserve, BRT Tiger Reserve, MM Hills Sanctuary, and part of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary faces constant threats from these gangs.
To uncover the true scale of the menace, an RTI has been filed to obtain details of sandalwood smuggling cases, with special reference to Chamarajanagar district.
Overseas Trail Possible
Investigators suspect that the racket may extend beyond state or even national borders.
With sandalwood fetching high prices overseas for perfumes, oils, and rituals & religious practices, this could lead to an international trail.
Strengthening the Law: Habitual Offenders Act
There is also a dire need for stronger legal backing. The Karnataka Habitual Offenders Act, 1961, though in motion, is not actively implemented even by the police department. This law, if used effectively, its provisions could help maintain records of repeat offenders and enforce corrective measures.
The Act is a powerful tool but remains underutilized. The need is that its scope must be expanded to the forest department and other law enforcement agencies, so that habitual offenders involved in forest crimes like sandalwood smuggling, hunting etc. can be tracked, monitored, and corrective measures initiated effectively. Giving this Act more power and reach could help strike at the roots of organized gangs.
The Hunt for Kingpins
For now, two men of different gangs are in custody. But the forest department staff is actively tracking the escaped smugglers and working to identify the kingpins. Officials say that while the arrests are a success, the real challenge lies in dismantling the syndicate itself.
“More strength to their investigations,” said a senior forest officer, praising the courage, patience, and teamwork of the MM Hills staff. What began as flickering torchlights in the Sanctuary has now thrown light on one of the most organized and persistent forest crimes in Karnataka.