Pune, known for its cultural heritage and academic institutions, is now facing a surge in organized Chandan (sandalwood) thefts, with the latest incident shocking residents of the Ferguson Road area. In a daring act, thieves entered a bungalow and threatened the owner by throwing stones, all while sawing down a valuable sandalwood tree on the property. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 2, adding to the growing concerns over public safety.

Threats and Bold Moves by Chandan Thieves

This bold theft highlights the audacity of these criminals, who have now started directly threatening property owners. Aryan Shirole (23), the owner of the bungalow, filed a complaint at the Deccan Police Station. According to police reports, Shirole heard the sounds of a saw cutting through the tree at around 4:30 AM and rushed outside. He was confronted by three to four thieves who warned him to stay quiet, hurling stones at him before escaping with the tree.

Rising Chandan Theft in Pune

This is not an isolated case. Just two months ago, sandalwood thieves entered another residence on Prabhat Road, where they threatened a female lawyer with a weapon before stealing her tree. The rise in these crimes is alarming, with several instances being reported across the city, including from areas such as Mukundnagar, Market Yard, and Prabhat Road.

Police efforts to curb this wave of thefts have so far been unsuccessful, with no arrests made. The culprits are targeting high-value properties and public spaces where sandalwood trees grow, causing widespread anxiety among Pune residents.

Pune Police Struggling to Control the Crime Wave

Despite numerous thefts, the Pune Police have been unable to apprehend the culprits. In the latest case, Police Sub-Inspector Mahesh Bhosale is leading the investigation. However, the recurring incidents, including one at the Ammunition Factory in Khadki, raise questions about the efficiency of law enforcement in tackling the problem.

Public Safety Concerns on the Rise

The growing number of Chandan thefts poses a direct threat to citizens. Once regarded as a rare crime, these thefts are now becoming more frequent and brazen, with thieves resorting to violence if challenged. This shift is raising concerns about the overall safety of residential areas in Pune.