Kollegal: The Mahadeshwara Wildlife Forest officials have arrested 10 persons on charges of chopping sandalwood trees in forest area and trying to smuggle the sandalwood billets. Five more accused have gone absconding and a hunt has been launched to nab them. Out of the 10 accused, two (a couple) have tested positive for COVID-19.
The arrested are 32-year-old Raju, 35-year-old Appoji, 32-year-old Rajappa, 50-year-old Somaiah, 55-year-old Muniyappa, 25-year-old Byramma, 27-year-old Shanthamma, 28-year-old Salamma, 27-year-old Basavaraju and 40-year-old Basavaraju, all from Ramanadoddi village, Hosur taluk, Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu.
