Tirupati: Police seizes 36 red sandalwood logs near Kalyani Dam, one held several abscond

The task force seized 36 red sandalwood logs ready for transport at Kalyani Dam and arrested a smuggler. A smuggler was arrested and a goods carrier vehicle was seized. Under the direction of Task Force SP Anjaneyulu, RSI Lingadhar, FBOs Johnny Basha and Kodandam team under DSP Venkataiah carried out cumbing in Bhakarapeta forest from Thursday afternoon. From there, on the way to Kalyani Dam, the police heard smugglers presence at around 2.00 pm in an area called Tellamaram.

Vigilant task force personnel tried to surround them. About 40 smugglers who saw the police broke the logs and fled into the darkness. However they were able to catch a smuggler. A vehicle ready for loading was seen nearby. There are bags of fertilizer in the vehicle. The apprehended smuggler said the red sandalwood logs were loaded into a vehicle and transported in bags on top of them.

DSP Venkataiah who reached the spot after receiving the information, said the smuggler was identified as Kumar, 25, of Pambattoor, Chengam taluka, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu. When FRO Prasad reached the spot, CI Subramaniam reviewed the situation and registered a case.