Mandya: The Forest Department staff have arrested a person on charges of chopping sandalwood trees and smuggling it in broad daylight at Basavana Betta forest area in Mandya district.

The arrested has been identified as Shantharaju, son of Bettaiah and a resident of Gundapura village in Malavalli taluk.

DRFO Praveen and staff, who were patrolling the area, spotted Shantharaju chopping a sandalwood tree and raided the place. While inspecting the bag Shantharaju was carrying, they found sandalwood pieces and a machete in it and arrested him.

During interrogation, the Forest staff came to know that he was a sandalwood smuggler.

The accused was produced before a Court.