Pune Rural Police Seize 560 Kg Sandalwood Worth Rs 28 Lakh in Purandar Raid
Pune, 21st May 2026: The Pune Rural Anti-Terrorism Cell carried out a major raid in Mandki village of Purandar taluka and seized 560 kg of sandalwood worth around Rs 28.05 lakh.
During the operation, police found sandalwood logs concealed under a green cloth in a farm area. Officials also recovered a battery-operated cutter and two iron drills from the spot. Police suspect that the sandalwood stock was stolen and stored for illegal sale.
A case has been registered at Jejuri Police Station against Pratik Pramod Khunte, a resident of Mandki village, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Indian Forest Act, and the Maharashtra Tree Felling Act. The accused is currently absconding, and a search operation has been launched to trace him.
The action was carried out under the guidance of Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill, Additional Superintendent of Police (Baramati Division) Ganesh Biradar, and Assistant Police Inspector Deepak Wakchaure of Jejuri Police Station.
The raid was conducted by a team led by Assistant Police Inspector Prakash Pawar, along with officers and personnel from the Anti-Terrorism Cell and Jejuri Police Station.
