84 TN red sander woodcutters released in AP

Tirupati (AP): The 84 suspected red sander woodcutters from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested here by Andhra Pradesh Police for allegedly entering into Seshachalam forests, were released today, an official said.

Mandal Executive Magistrate in Renigunta here, let off the 84 accused on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each.

The magistrate M Narasimhulu Naidu also warned them against indulging in such activities again and said the punishment would be vigorous if they break the law next time.

Later, as a precautionary measure, they all were transported to Vellore and Tiruvannamalai by the buses arranged by the Tamil Nadu government, Sub-Inspector of Police, Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force, G Ashok Kumar said.

The police also collected their fingerprints, he said.

The Andhra Pradesh Police had yesterday arrested 84 suspected red sander woodcutters hailing from Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts when they were on their way to Seshachalam forest at Anjaneyapuram, 15 km from here.

On February 28, a PIL was filed in the Madras High Court alleging that over 500 suspected woodcutters from Tamil Nadu had been "illegally detained" by the Andhra Pradesh Police.

The PIL had requested the court to take an appropriate action against "erring officials" of that state.