In a brazen early morning theft, unidentified individuals stole two sandalwood trees from the office premises of prominent Pune lawyer Asim Sarode. The incident occurred near the Deccan Gymkhana area in Pune.
Police Launch Investigation
The Pune police have launched a thorough investigation into the sandalwood theft. A team from the Deccan police station visited the spot after receiving information about the incident.
Senior Police Inspector Girisha Nimbalkar confirmed the police action. "We have spoken to lawyer Asim Sarode for lodging a First Information Report in connection with the sandalwood theft incident," Nimbalkar stated.
Theft Details Emerge
According to lawyer Asim Sarode, the trees were felled and stolen around 4 am on Monday. People residing nearby reported hearing the trees being cut down during the early hours.
"The spot is not covered by the CCTV cameras in our office," Sarode explained. "However, a youngster has taken a video of the sandalwood theft from a building nearby. It shows four people leaving the place with the sandalwood logs in a four-wheeler."
The lawyer noted that roads in the area were closed due to the Pune Grand Tour 2026 cycling race. He confirmed that the FIR would be filed later in the day.
Pattern of Sandalwood Thefts
This incident follows multiple reports of sandalwood thefts in the Deccan Gymkhana area and surrounding places. In the early hours of August 11, 2024, a gang of about eight people stole a 70-year-old sandalwood tree from a bungalow in Bharati Nivas colony, Erandwane.
The huge noise created while felling the tree woke up the bungalow's residents. The thieves threatened to kill them by pointing sharp weapons before escaping. The FIR in this case was also lodged at the Deccan police station.
On October 22, 2024, thieves stealing sandalwood from an old, unused bungalow on Abhinav School Road in Erandwane attacked police personnel. The assault injured one officer. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of a gang of sandalwood thieves.
About Asim Sarode
Asim Sarode is known for taking up cases related to human rights violations. He maintains a vocal anti-BJP, RSS stand. The lawyer was among the activists who launched the "Nirbhay Bano" campaign against the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections.
The police continue their investigation into the latest sandalwood theft. Authorities are examining available evidence, including the video captured by the local youngster.
