Dubai-Bound Red Sandalwood Smuggling Case: Pimpri Chinchwad Police Nab Three More Suspects
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 7th March 2025: In a significant update to the 12-tonne red sandalwood seizure near Urse Toll Plaza on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police have made three additional arrests. The red sandalwood, originating from southern India, was destined for Dubai. Sources revealed to Punekar News that this was not an isolated incident but the first time it was intercepted on this route.
On 2nd March, The Anti-Property Crime Cell, led by Senior Police Inspector Vijay Dhamal, initially arrested two individuals following the seizure of a container truck carrying 11.490 tonnes of red sandalwood, valued at Rs 8.61 Crore. The detained individuals were container driver Rajaram Gaykhe (37, from Ahilyanagar) and Harpreet Singh Badana (42, from Thane). A case was registered at Shirgaon Police Station.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Doiphode, in charge of the Crime Branch, announced that further arrests included Shrikant Bhilare (38), Indravan Mane (34), both from Navi Mumbai, and Deepak Salve (42) from Ahilyanagar. “These individuals were primarily involved in the crime and were apprehended by the Anti-Property Crime Cell,” said DCP Doiphode.
Red sandalwood is banned due to its endangered status and widespread illegal logging in India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. It is listed under CITES Appendix II and India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Red sandalwood is valued for its use in furniture and handicrafts, as well as its medicinal properties, which include treating skin conditions and digestive issues. Misuses include excessive harvesting for illegal trade, leading to ecological harm and economic losses for legitimate farmers. The high demand fuels smuggling activities.
The Pimpri Chinchwad Police seized nearly 12 tonnes of sandalwood and the container truck, totaling over Rs 9 Crore. A police official told Punekar News that the sandalwood originated from the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border and was transported to Khed Shivapur. There, the container was switched, involving the three newly arrested suspects. The control of the container truck was then handed over to the previously arrested individuals, who are reportedly new to this field. The container, en route to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai and ultimately bound for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was intercepted near Urse Toll Naka on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, within the jurisdiction of Shirgaon Police Station.
“The newly arrested individuals are regular smugglers,” said an official. “The container truck was headed to JNPT and then to Dubai.” The ongoing investigation is focused on determining who supplied the red sandalwood from southern India and identifying its buyers in Dubai.
This action was taken under the guidance of Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner of Police Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner of Police Vasant Pardeshi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime 1) Dr. Vishal Hire. The Anti-Property Crime Cell team, led by Senior Police Inspector Vijay Dhamal, included Police Sub-Inspector Bharat Gosavi and Police Constables Mahesh Khande, Ashish Bankar, Nitin Lokhande, Gadade, Ganesh Kokane, Amar Kadam, Harshad Kadam, Amol Gore, and Mohsin Attar.
