Two persons were arrested for allegedly felling sandalwood trees along the Kinathadi forest boundary in Anthiyur Forest Range, while another suspect is absconding.

According to the Forest Department, a special team led by Anthiyur Forest Range Officer M. Nandhini, comprising Athani Forester P. Bharathi, Forest Guard Maythili and Forest Guard Praveen, detected the illegal felling during a night patrol. Acting on a tip-off, forest officials arrested Prabhu (35) and Sadaiyan (46) on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) and questioned them at the Anthiyur Forest Range Office. As the inquiry continued late into the night, the two were remanded to judicial custody on the directions of the District Forest Officer and lodged in the Gobi Sub-Jail on Thursday (July 30, 2026). A search has been launched to apprehend the third suspect Rasu, forest officials said.