The Red Sandalwood Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) arrested eight inter-state smugglers and seized approximately six tonnes of red sandalwood logs worth Rs 4.20 crore, along with a car and a motorcycle in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

The Tirupati Task Force police intercepted a group engaged in smuggling activities during a surprise check at Komitoni Cheruvu in Veeraballi mandal, Annamaya district. Upon their arrival at the crime scene, officers discovered a car and a motorcycle parked near the lake, while a group of individuals was in the process of loading red sandalwood logs into the vehicle. The task force police promptly intervened, managing to apprehend eight suspects while others managed to escape.

Following the arrests, a Hyundai car and a Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle were seized, along with ten red sandalwood logs. The arrested individuals were identified as residents of Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu.

Based on intelligence gathered during the interrogation, the task force, in coordination with the Tirupati district police, extended their operation to Karnataka. In a follow-up raid, officers reached the Nilgiri grove near Katikanilli village in Hoskote taluk in Karnataka, where they uncovered 185 red sandalwood logs worth Rs 1 crore concealed in the area. The seized logs were subsequently transported to the Tirupati Task Force headquarters.

Authorities estimate the total value of the confiscated 195 red sandalwood logs to be around Rs 4.2 crore. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to identify and apprehend the main figures behind the smuggling network.

Commending the officers for their swift and effective action, Task Force Head L Subbarayudu IPS congratulated the Tirupati Task Force staff for their dedication in successfully cracking the case.