Authorities in Anantapur nabbed three linked to red sanders smuggling,seizing 108 logs and vehicle worth ~₹2 crore. Arrests by Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) followed targeted operation near Bondalavada village.
Wednesday,with solid intel, RSASTF and Forest Department raided a farm owned by suspect Nallani Jaya Ramayya, finding logs hidden near tin shed . Others arrested: Nallani Nanda Kumar and Bottu Raghavendra. Logs were stashed along dirt road to Bommalatapalli village.
These three had plan. Fell red sandalwood, process, sell to big smugglers in Delhi,Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. Hired laborers to chop trees in Seshachalam forest, running illegal ops.
Investigations continue to track main smugglers behind network . Special teams set up to hunt for more masterminds in smuggling operations.
Responding to arrests,K. Pawan Kalyan,Deputy Chief Minister for forests,stressed government's resolve to halt illegal red sanders transport. He said coalition measures slashed illegal transport by 70% last two years. Pawan Kalyan assured efforts to dismantle transport networks aiding this trade.
Crackdown on red sanders smuggling shows ongoing fight to protect this endangered species,curb organized crime in region. How long can authorities keep pressure on…?
