Archive · 4 Sep 2026
105 Kg Sandalwood Seized in Odisha; Three Arrested
Police in Odisha stopped an auto-rickshaw that they suspected was carrying sandalwood illegally.
They found about 105 kilograms of sandalwood inside five large bags.
The wood was estimated to be worth more than Rs 10 lakh.
Three people were arrested during the operation.
Police also took the vehicle, three phones and Rs 4,000.
The seizure happened near Kharada Chhak on Friday morning.
Officers are trying to find where the sandalwood came from and where it was going.
They are also checking whether more people were involved.
Police seized approximately 105 kg of sandalwood valued at more than Rs 10 lakh in Gajapati district, Odisha.
The seizure occurred near Kharada Chhak on the Paralakhemundi-Gunupur state highway on Friday morning.
Police intercepted an auto-rickshaw based on prior information about alleged illegal sandalwood transportation.
Three people—Siraj Khan, Akram Khan and Damodar Pradhan—were arrested.
Police also seized the auto-rickshaw, three mobile phones and Rs 4,000, while investigating the timber’s source and destination.
- Who
- Kashinagar police arrested Siraj Khan, Akram Khan and Damodar Pradhan.
- What
- Police seized approximately 105 kg of sandalwood and arrested three alleged transporters.
- When
- Friday morning.
- Where
- Near Kharada Chhak on the Paralakhemundi-Gunupur state highway in Odisha’s Gajapati district.
- Why
- Police acted on prior information about the alleged illegal transportation of sandalwood.
- Sandalwood seized
- Approximately 105 kg
- Estimated value
- More than Rs 10 lakh
- Arrests
- Three people
- Vehicle seized
- One auto-rickshaw
- Other items seized
- Three mobile phones and Rs 4,000 in cash
- Police station
- Kashinagar police station
- Investigation focus
- The sandalwood’s source, intended destination and possible involvement of others