Six Red Sanders Smugglers Arrested in Kadapa

Quick Summary

• Six red sanders smugglers were apprehended in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday.
• Nearly a tonne (1,087 kg) of red sanders logs was recovered from the smugglers.
• The arrested individuals are:

– Iragamreddy Naga Dastagiri Reddy (35),a notorious criminal linked to 86 smuggling and 34 theft cases.
– Mudireddy Rammohan Reddy (47)
– U. Krishnaiah (53)
– kayala Srinivasulu (44)
– Bandreddi Obul Reddy (54)
– Sanivarapu balagangi Reddy (44).

• Arrests occurred near Chinnavaradayapalle forest during regular police checks on the Proddatur-Annavaram road.
• Police suspect broader involvement of influential figures behind thes activities.
• SP E.G. ashok Kumar disclosed that Dastagiri is associated with Salim, a Delhi-based kingpin who operates through hawala channels and Hyderabad-based intermediaries such as Vikram Singh Solanki.
• Authorities seized two cars and a motorcycle tied to the smugglers in addition to the red sanders logs.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The seizure of nearly a tonne of endangered red sanders logs and arrest of six suspects highlights persistent challenges around illegal wildlife trade in India. Kadapa district has long been infamous for smuggling operations due to its proximity to forests where rare resources like red sanders grow. notably, one accused – Dastagiri Reddy – has an extensive criminal record tied both locally and nationally through connections with larger networks involving hawala transactions.

This case underlines two significant issues: first, strong enforcement capabilities within local police forces who intercept such operations; second, evidence pointing toward organized crime spanning multiple regions across India. The capture could serve as an important step in breaking systemic smuggling rings if further investigations into alleged powerful backers prove fruitful.

Given the ecological importance of conserving rare tree species like red sanders for India’s biodiversity goals, incidents like this call for sustained vigilance and stricter measures against traffickers exploiting forest wealth.

Read more: The Hindu