Date:23/03/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/03/23/stories/2003032300580300.htm

Southern States - Karnataka

45 sandalwood billets recovered

By Our Staff Correspondent

MADIKERI MARCH 22. The Virajpet Range forest personnel fired two shots in the air and recovered 45 sandalwood billets after chasing a vehicle in the early hours of Friday in Virajpet town, M.S. Chinnappa, Virajpet Range Forest Officer, told The Hindu on Saturday.

Mr. Chinnappa, who led a team of forest personnel, was waiting for the smugglers at the Virajpet-Kodava Samaja junction at 3 a.m. on Friday, acting on a tip-off. The vehicle did not stop even after being asked to do so and Mr. Chinnappa, who chased the vehicle, had to open fire near Chatrakere. However, two persons abandoned the vehicle and fled. The billets were neatly stored under the front seat of the vehicle in a box-like compartment, Mr. Chinnappa added. A search is on for the smugglers.