CBI arrests an absconding sandalwood smuggler

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an absconding accused Rajkumar Sharma from Bahadurgarh, Haryana, who was wanted in the matter of smuggling of 15350.55 kg of Sandalwood (Pterocarpus Santalinus) from Dhamnod Forest Range of Madhya Pradesh. On reference from the Government of Madhya Pradesh, CBI had registered the instant case on August 20,2024 under Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in the matter of smuggling of 15350.55 kg of Sandalwood (Pterocarpus Santalinus) in 504 pieces from Dhamnod Forest Range of Madhya Pradesh and launched investigation. During investigation CBI successfully identified 06 accused persons namely Bakthavatchalam, B. Balamurgan, Thamim Ansari, Shiv Kumar, Rajkumar Sharma and Ishwar Chander Sharma involved in the smuggling of Sandalwood.

On completion of investigation, CBI filed chargesheet last year on December 20, 2024 against 06 accused persons before the Court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Dharampuri, District Dhar, for the offences under Indian Penal Code , Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Biodiversity Act, 2002.The Court had issued arrest warrants against all the accused persons who were absconding. Acting on a specific source information CBI arrested the accused Rajkumar Sharma.

(Special Correspondent)