Pune: Three sandalwood trees were stolen from the premises of a senior military officer’s bungalow near Poona Club on Dr. Rajendra Sinh Road. The theft, which occurred late at night, has raised concerns over the increasing number of sandalwood tree thefts in the city.

The theft was discovered after the officer, who was out of town for Christmas, returned to find the trees missing. A complaint was promptly lodged by Pandiyaraj Murugan (30) at the Bund Garden Police Station.

Assistant Police Inspector Dr. Arifa Mujawar, who is investigating the case, stated that the spacious premises of the bungalow lacked CCTV cameras, making it difficult to gather evidence or identify the culprits.

The theft occurred two nights ago when the culprits entered the bungalow’s premises under cover of darkness and felled three sandalwood trees. Despite the lack of surveillance footage, the police have launched an intensive search for the culprits, and efforts are underway to track them.

The incident is part of a growing trend in Pune, where sandalwood thefts have surged over the past year. According to police records, around 30 cases have been registered in 2024, involving thefts from government properties, educational institutions, bungalows, and residential society premises.

Sandalwood, due to its high market value, has become a target for thieves in the region. Police have urged residents and property owners to install surveillance systems and take precautions to safeguard their properties.