KOCHI: It took seven months for the Forest department to register a case despite the police informing about the seizure of 63 kg of sandalwood. A case was registered last month after an internal investigation into the incident. According to reports the lapse happened to the deputy ranger of Ezhattumugham and the forest ranger of Athirappily. The internal investigation report requiring action against them is being considered by the Forest Department Vigilance APCCF.

The rule of the forest department is to submit an investigation report within 45 days after the incident. Angamaly police caught the sandalwood smuggled in a car on February 25. After registering the case, the then Angamali CI informed Athirapilly range along with the investigation report. But Ezhattumugham deputy ranger and Kodanad ranger failed to take the case and apply to the court to impound the car. An internal inquiry was ordered after the Flying Squad DFO found that no case was registered in the Athirappily range and the vehicle was not taken into custody.

Due to the delay in taking up the case, the identity of the car used for smuggling or the accused could not be found.

The sandalwood was caught after the police followed a car that failed to stop despite the police signalled during the night vehicle inspection in Angamaly town. 63 kg of sandalwood sticks were stored in three sacks in the trunk of the car. The Ernakulam registered car got stuck in traffic at Karayamparambu signal junction and the driver got out and ran away. The police searched for him but could not find him.