IDUKKI: A man was arrested while trying to smuggle 3.5 kg of sandalwood from TV Kandam area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Forty-four-year-old Chelladurai of Rosapookandam in Kumily was trying to smuggle the sandalwood stumps from the forest area when he was arrested, forest officials said.
In another incident in Marayoor, forest officials registered a case in connection with the attempt to steal a sandalwood tree from the premises of a private residence, sources with the Forest Department said.
The incident occurred in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Two robbers entered the compound of the house and chopped down the sandalwood tree.
However, the sound of the falling tree alerted the house owners who came out to investigate. On seeing them the robbers took to their heels, the officials said.
The robbers have not been identified.