Race Course area in Coimbatore is the region’s VIP area, where senior officers including the District Collector, City Police Commissioner, and the Judges reside. Naturally, the area is under 24-hour surveillance of the police. The area also has around 3000 sandalwood trees. Of late, sandalwood smugglers are cutting down these trees on a regular basis.

Recently, an 8-year-old sandalwood tree, growing in the residence of one Chinnasamy, was cut down and smuggled out of the area. The Race Course police have registered a case and are investigating.

Environmental activists allege that such cases of smuggling of sandalwood trees are occurring regularly not only in the city but also in the rural areas. They want strong action to be taken against the culprits.