Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Six Arrested After 55 Trees Cut for Advertising Work
Fifty-five trees were cut down on a road divider in Nashik.
The trees were reportedly in the way of new advertising boards.
Police say someone agreed to pay ₹10,000 to have them removed.
The cutting happened early on August 30.
Six people have been arrested in the case.
A court allowed police to question them for four days.
Investigators are also examining links with the municipal Garden Department.
The case raises questions about whether anyone in the civic administration helped or protected the people involved.
Police allege that 55 trees were cut on a Nashik road divider to make space for advertising boards.
The trees were felled between 2 a.m. and 2:45 a.m. on August 30.
Police allege that a ₹10,000 contract was arranged for the tree-cutting work.
Six suspects, including an advertising agency operator, were arrested and remanded to four days of police custody.
The case has raised questions about possible assistance or protection from officials in the municipal administration.
- Who
- Six suspects, including Namrata Advertising Agency operator Machhindra Vijay Deshmukh and Abhimanyu Kashinath Khairnar, were arrested.
- What
- Police are investigating the alleged unlawful cutting of 55 trees under a ₹10,000 advertising-related contract.
- When
- The trees were cut on August 30 between 2 a.m. and 2:45 a.m.
- Where
- On the divider between Jehan Circle and Bendkule Nagar on Gangapur Road in Nashik.
- Why
- Police allege the trees obstructed the installation of double advertising boards on street-light poles.
Police Allegations
Civic Accountability Questions
Responsibility for the tree cutting
Police Allegations
Police allege that Machhindra Deshmukh and Abhimanyu Khairnar agreed on a ₹10,000 payment and that Khairnar and associates cut down the trees to clear space for advertisements.
Civic Accountability Questions
The article does not report a response from the suspects, while the investigation continues.
Role of municipal officials
Police Allegations
Investigators reportedly found that Deshmukh and Khairnar frequently visited the Nashik Municipal Corporation’s Garden Department and had links with contractors involved in tree-related work.
Civic Accountability Questions
The reported links have raised questions about whether anyone in the civic administration provided assistance or protection, but the article does not establish that officials were involved.
- Trees cut
- 55
- Alleged contract value
- ₹10,000
- Cutting time
- August 30, between 2 a.m. and 2:45 a.m.
- Arrests
- Six suspects
- Police custody
- Four days, ordered by the court
- Police station
- Gangapur Police Station
- Reported age discrepancy
- The article describes Abhimanyu Khairnar as 45 in the investigation account and lists Abhimanyu Kashinath Khairnar as 37 among those arrested.