Three Forest Officials Injured in Clash with Red Sandalwood Smugglers in Andhra Pradesh

Annamayya District, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : In Annamayya District, Andhra Pradesh, three forest officials sustained injuries during a confrontation with red sandalwood smugglers on Sunday. The incident occurred near Bommaiyagaripalli village in the Rompicherla mandal, where a team from the forest department attempted to intercept a gang transporting red sandalwood.

According to officials, the smugglers attempted to break through a police blockade, colliding their high-speed vehicle with the forest department’s patrol car. In the ensuing chaos, the driver of the forest vehicle, along with two smugglers, also suffered injuries.

Brave forest personnel managed to apprehend two suspected smugglers at the scene. Authorities seized red sandalwood logs, a weighing machine, saw blades, axes, and the vehicle used for smuggling.

The injured officials have been identified as Section Officer Prakash Kumar, Beat Officer P. Reddy Prasad, and K. Pratap. The vehicle driver, Charan, was also hurt. All were taken to SVRR Government Hospital in Tirupati for treatment.

Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests, reached out to senior forest officials regarding the incident and praised the officers for their bravery. He was informed that the injured personnel are currently out of danger and receiving ongoing medical care.

Kalyan assured that the state government would cover all medical expenses and provide better healthcare facilities for the injured. He directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to monitor the situation until the staff fully recover.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting forest resources, Kalyan stated that strict action would be taken against those involved in forest crimes. He called for rigorous legal measures against red sandalwood smugglers and those attacking government employees on duty. Furthermore, he instructed the Red Sandalwood Anti-Smuggling Task Force to keep a close watch on smuggling gangs and to expedite the arrest of three other fugitives linked to the case.