No Leniency for Anyone Aiding Red Sanders Smuggling, Warns Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has warned that the state government will show zero tolerance towards anyone found aiding red sanders smuggling, regardless of their position or influence. Reaffirming the government's determination to dismantle organized smuggling networks, he said stricter strategies are being implemented under "Operation Aranya", and that he would personally review the operation's progress on a regular basis.

The Deputy Chief Minister made the remarks while reviewing the recent seizure of a large consignment of red sanders in Kadapa district. On Saturday, he held discussions with officials of the Anti-Red Sanders Smuggling Task Force and sought a detailed account of the operation, directing them to intensify efforts against interstate smuggling syndicates.

The seizure took place near Varikuntla village in Avadutha Kasinayana Mandal, where teams from the Anti-Red Sanders Smuggling Task Force and State Intelligence conducted joint vehicle inspections. During the operation, officials intercepted a Bolero truck carrying red sanders logs hidden beneath household goods to evade detection. Authorities seized 78 red sanders logs, estimated to be worth ₹1.5 crore.

The operation led to the arrest of two alleged smugglers, Sunny and Ramesh, both natives of Haryana. During the subsequent investigation, officials uncovered the alleged involvement of Mallikarjuna, a Forest Beat Officer attached to the Jyothi Forest Beat, who is accused of assisting the smuggling network. He was also arrested in connection with the case.

After reviewing the developments, Pawan Kalyan directed officials to carry out a thorough investigation into the forest officer's role and submit a comprehensive report. He also instructed the department to constitute special investigation teams to track down the alleged masterminds operating from Bengaluru, Haryana, and Kolkata.

Emphasizing that the government is committed to protecting Andhra Pradesh's valuable forest wealth, the Deputy Chief Minister said Operation Aranya would be strengthened further to dismantle smuggling networks and ensure that every individual involved—whether smugglers, facilitators, or public servants—faces strict legal action. He reiterated that no one supporting the illegal trade of red sanders would be spared.