Mangaluru: A big sandalwood tree stolen from the premises of IGP’s residence in Mangaluru on August 17. The security failure has created suspicion among the people on the functioning of the police department to ensure peace and security in the district.

The incident reported in a broad daylight at the premises of government residence of IGP located at Maryhill in Mangaluru city and the thieves reportedly managed to took away all branches of the tree including its roots amid tight police security being provided to the residence of IGP.

The incident occurred on August 17 when former IGP Harishekharan vacated his government resident and handed over his charge to newly appointed Western Range IGP Hemant Nimbalkar. A group of unknown culprits tactfully cut the tree when all police and staff busy to send off Harishekharan and welcome Hemant Nimbalkar. Local residents suspect a gang with necessary preplan should have worked to steal the tree.