The Kolhapur police have arrested two individuals and detained a minor in connection with the theft of sandalwood logs worth Rs20,000 from the premises of the Kolhapur district court. The incident occurred about ten days ago, and the arrested individuals have been identified as Samsulala Saraylala Pawar alias Karan (55) and Rulbabu Saraylala Pawar alias Pardhi (20), both residents of Hardua village, Katani district.
The police uncovered the crime after reviewing CCTV footage that captured the accused cutting down a sandalwood tree from the court grounds. Following further investigation, the police traced the suspects to Raibag, Karnataka, where they were apprehended.
The police noted that the accused audaciously carried out the theft during daylight hours. In addition to arresting the suspects, the police have identified the buyer of the stolen sandalwood logs.
In a related development, Mahendra Pandit, the district superintendent of police, has suspended three officers who were responsible for guarding the court premises, citing dereliction of duty during the incident.
