Forest employees caught in red sanders smuggling in Kadapa

Seven forest employees were arrested in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, for their alleged involvement in smuggling of red sanders, police said on Saturday.

The accused were arrested by Kadapa police in a joint operation with anti-red sanders task force from Tirupathi late last evening. About 14 red sander logs worth Rs 9.28 lakh were recovered from their possession, Ontimitta Circle Inspector Ulasaiah said.

According to police, six base camp employees---Sagar, Ramalinga Reddy, Bala Obulesu Reddy, Anjaneyulu, Peter, Devadas-- and one Assistant Beat Officer Ramchandra Reddy were held when they tried to smuggle red sander logs belonging to noted smuggler Turra Venkatasubbaiah, who surrendered before court recently.