Bengaluru: A forest guard opened fire on a thief who was stealing Sandalwood tree in Bannerghatta Forest area of Bangalore South, one died and another escaped.
The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Thimmarayappa, a resident of Natturahalli near Masti in Malur Taluk. In the sandalwood theft shootout case at Bannerghatta, Gutka packets used by the culprits were found near the tree that gave an important clue about the thieves.
The sandalwood thieves had used gutka and left a water bottle there. There was no plastic material in the forest area of Bannerghatta National Park. But the plastic cover of the gutka lying near the sandalwood tree was found by the police. Recently, Sandalwood theft took place in Kalkere State Forest. Sandalwood theft cases had been going on for one and a half months. The Forest Department was behind the sandalwood thieves. But on August 29 night, the cops were put on surveillance from ten o’clock. Beat Forest officer Vinay Kumar, and PCB watchers Michael, Ediyur were watching in the forest.
When Kalkere State Forest came near the Jedimara Circle, it was noticed that the tree was being cut down. A clue was found last night while the staff was on there beat. A cover of gutka packet and water bottles were found near the tree. The staff used the same information and collected a clue of the sandalwood thieves.
Sandalwood trees were stolen recently. The staff patrolled the forest at night to arrest the thieves. Then they heard the sound of wood being cut. Immediately Forest Guard Vinay and team went to the spot. On seeing the forest guard, they tried to attack with a machete. Then the personnel opened fire with a pump action slide gun. The bullet fired by the gun hit Thimmarayappa. He was shot in the stomach and died on the spot. As one fell down, the other accused escaped.