Red sanders smuggling: Two police officials suspended

• The officials were found facilitating easy passage for red sanders smugglers
• Govt obtains proof of their misdeeds
• CM directs officials to take stringent action against the officers

Hyderabad: The State government has, on Thursday, suspended two senior officials who were allegedly involved in the smuggling of precious red sanders. They were identified as G Uday Kumar, former Officer on Special Duty, Task Force, (Red Sanders, Tirupati) and presently DSP of CID and G V Ramana, SDPO Rajampet of Kadapa District.

A release said there was strong evidence against the two officers for their involvement in illegal activities including red sanders smuggling. The evidence also revealed the nexus between red sanders smugglers and the officers. Another evidence found them accepting bribes from those involved in criminal cases.

The release further said Uday Kumar, during his tenure, had received huge bribes from red sanders smugglers from neighbouring states and other Rayalaseema districts on a regular basis.

The government also found proof that GV Ramana accepted bribes from people involved in criminal charges. It has been found that he has facilitated easy passage of red sanders smugglers without any checks.

The State government was going all out to curb rampant smuggling of red sanders and would not spare those involved in it, the release said. The Chief Minister directed officials to take stringent action against those found guilty.

Over 1,000 persons have been arrested for their involvement in smuggling this invaluable forest resource. With the State government stepping up vigil and combing operations, many skeletons are tumbling out of closet proving the collusion between some officials and smugglers.

It may be recalled that the revenue from the auction of red sanders expected to be held next month, could be used for loan waiver.