BENGALURU: The Karnataka Forest Department seized over 400 kg of sandalwood during a raid at the Cauvery Emporium, uncovering alleged violations of state regulations governing sandalwood trade. The raid, led by the K.R. Puram Range Forest Officer V. Raghu, was conducted on Monday based on intelligence about illegal stockpiling and suspected smuggling activities linked to Rajasthan.
Deputy Conservator of Forests N. Ravindra Kumar confirmed the discovery. “We found more than 400 kg of sandalwood procured under bonafide usage permissions but used in violation of state laws,” Kumar said.
Illegal Trade Network Uncovered
The investigation has implicated Narayana Murthy, the manager of Cauvery Emporium, and Gaurav Saragoi, a 24-year-old Rajasthan-based trader, in the illicit sandalwood trade. Officials revealed that Saragoi was authorised to transport only 4 kg of sandalwood in June 2024 but instead trafficked over 435 kg to Bengaluru over the last six months.
“Saragoi exploited a provision in Karnataka’s forest regulations that allows individuals to transport up to 4 kg of sandalwood without prior permission,” Kumar said. Additionally, Saragoi supplied 105 kg of sandalwood powder and 10 kg of sandalwood oil without proper documentation to establish their legality.
Legal Actions and Financial Implications
The seized sandalwood, valued at over ₹1.5 crore, highlights the scale of the operation. “We have booked Saragoi under Section 87 of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963,” Raghu stated. He added that sandalwood is currently sold at ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 per kg in the market.
The Forest Department is considering revoking the Cauvery Emporium’s license to handle sandalwood and related products. “The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the illegal trade and ensure accountability,” Kumar said.
Ongoing Investigation
The department continues its probe to trace the supply chain and identify other possible participants in the smuggling network. This operation underscores the department’s commitment to enforcing strict compliance with Karnataka’s forest laws and curbing illegal activities in the sandalwood trade.
