Lucknow, June 30 -- A sandalwood tree worth lakhs of rupees was stolen from the official residence of the King George's Medical University (KGMU) Vice-Chancellor in Lucknow, despite security arrangements in place.

KGMU spokesperson KK Singh said the 50-year-old tree was cut down and taken away by thieves. The residence, located within the campus, is currently unoccupied.

An FIR has been lodged, and CCTV footage has been handed over to the police. The incident is also being investigated under the Forest Act.

Speaking to ANI, KK Singh said, "The Vice-Chancellor's residence is inside our campus, but he currently lives in his private house in Nirala Nagar. So, the campus house is vacant, though guards and basic staff stay there. A few days...