Unidentified individuals have brazenly cut down five sandalwood trees in Red Fields, Coimbatore, raising serious concerns about local law enforcement’s effectiveness. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, took place at the premises of the old sub-judge quarters on Kamaraj Road, situated within the city’s core.
Authorities from the Race Course police station swiftly responded to the scene after receiving an alert. A police officer reported that four of the five felled trees were removed entirely, while one large sandalwood tree was severed at its base but left behind. This alarming act has prompted police to form specialized teams dedicated to identifying and apprehending those responsible for the illicit felling and potential smuggling of the valuable wood.
Investigators have begun reviewing footage from nearby surveillance cameras to track the movements of suspects and any vehicles associated with the crime. It is suspected that the thieves may have cut the tree trunks into smaller sections for easier transport, complicating the recovery efforts.
The proximity of this incident to critical installations, including the City Police Commissioner’s camp office and the Air Force Administrative College, has intensified scrutiny of law enforcement and their nighttime patrols. The shocking ease with which the trees were felled has left many residents questioning the safety and security measures in place to protect the city’s green assets.
In the aftermath, the Forest Department has taken custody of the remaining sandalwood tree and the debris from the others. However, since the illegal activity occurred outside designated forest areas, the department has stated it will not conduct a full-fledged investigation, shifting the responsibility back to local police.
The felling of these valuable trees not only poses a threat to biodiversity but also sparks significant legal and economic implications, as sandalwood is highly sought after in various industries.
As the investigation unfolds, community members hope for swift justice and enhanced protective measures to safeguard Coimbatore’s natural resources. The scale of this incident underscores the urgent need for increased vigilance in urban forestry and law enforcement coordination to prevent further acts of environmental degradation.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/five-sandalwood-trees-felled-at-red-fields-in-coimbatore/article69687276.ece
Category : Coimbatore
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Publish Date: 2025-06-12 19:07:00
