Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070460190400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Sandalwood ‘smuggler’ hurt as IAF men open fire

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: An alleged sandalwood smuggler was injured when Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel fired at a gang which was attempting to fell sandalwood trees early on Friday in the land belonging to IAF at Jalahalli East.

Raviyappa (45) sustained bullet injuries on the right thigh and Reddappa (40) sustained bruises when some sharp wood pieces grazed his head.

Both are residents of V. Kote in Chittoor of Andhra Pradesh. The injured were shifted to K.C. General Hospital in Malleswaram. Their two associates managed to escape.

The IAF Jalahalli East is a vast stretch with a number of sandalwood trees. On Thursday night, the four-member gang entered the premises by scaling the compound wall.

They were equipped with saw, axes, ropes, iron rods and other material, an officer of Gangammanagudi police station said.

They trespassers were confronted by IAF staff Surendra Singh and Jacob who were on night patrol. Initially, the gang hid themselves but when asked to surrender, they threatened the IAF men with their weapons.

The IAF staff first opened fire in the air, but when it did not deter the gang, they shot at them, S.D. Chebbi, Inspector of Police, Gangammanagudi police station, said.