Tue Jul 01 06:07:31 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Valuable Sandalwood Tree Stolen from KGMU Vice-Chancellor’s Residence in Lucknow**
**Lucknow, July 1, 2025:** A sandalwood tree, estimated to be worth lakhs of rupees (hundreds of thousands), has been stolen from the official residence of the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Vice-Chancellor in Lucknow. The theft occurred despite security arrangements at the campus residence, which is currently unoccupied as the Vice-Chancellor resides elsewhere.
According to KGMU spokesperson K.K. Singh, the 50-year-old tree was cut down and removed from the premises. He emphasized the shock surrounding the incident given the perceived security of the location and the presence of guards.
“The Vice-Chancellor’s residence is inside our campus…So, the campus house is vacant, though guards and basic staff stay there,” Singh told ANI. “We found out that a very old sandalwood tree at the residence was cut down, and the wood was stolen. It’s shocking because the building is considered secure and has guards.”
An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed with the police, and CCTV footage has been provided to aid in the investigation. The Forest Department has also been notified, as sandalwood trees are protected under the Forest Act. Singh noted that the value of the stolen wood is significant and its sale is regulated by the government. Authorities are investigating the incident as both a theft and a violation of forest regulations.
First Piper 