Andhra Pradesh Seizes Red Sanders Logs, Arrests Three in Anti-Smuggling Operation

The Andhra Pradesh Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) intercepted a truck near Varikuntla village in Kadapa district, seizing 78 red sanders logs valued at about ₹1.5 crore. Three suspects were arrested – two alleged interstate smugglers, Sunny (28) and Ramesh (33) from Haryana, and forest beat officer M. Mallikarjun, who was accused of aiding the network. The operation, conducted by RSASTF together with state intelligence and forest officials, was overseen by RSASTF head L. Subbarayudu, SP P. Srinivas and Additional SP J. Kulashekar.

In a separate interview, Subbarayudu highlighted the task force’s evolution since its 2014 creation, noting past violence against forest staff and recent legal reforms such as a dedicated RSASTF police station and fast‑track courts. He warned that smugglers continue exploiting tribal cutters in the Seshachalam hills and that internal collusion remains a challenge, citing the recent arrest of the forest officer as proof of a zero‑tolerance policy.