PaperDabba News Desk – In a significant operation, the Task Force police have thwarted smugglers trying to enter the Seshachalam forests near Tirupati. The authorities arrested two individuals and seized a car, axes, and other equipment.
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Smugglers Caught in the Act
Under the direction of Tirupati District SP Dr. V. Harshavardhan Raju IPS, Task Force SP P. Srinivas led the operation. On Tuesday, RSI Vishnuvardhan Kumar was conducting a combing operation near Srivari Mettu and Kalyani Dam when he spotted several individuals alighting from a car in the Nagapatla section.
Chase and Arrest
The Task Force police attempted to surround the smugglers, who then fled the scene. The police gave chase and successfully apprehended two individuals identified as Shaktivel (29) and Rajendran Chinnapayan (53) from Vellore district in Tamil Nadu. During the interrogation, they revealed that a local named Rajasekhar had brought them to chop down red sandalwood trees in the forests near Tirupati.
Seizure of Equipment
The Task Force seized the car, axes, and other tools from the smugglers. They are currently searching for the other smugglers, identified as Selvaraj, Rajasekhar, Gopi, Seenu, and Govindan, who managed to escape. Comprehensive search operations are being conducted in all forest areas to apprehend these individuals.
Police Statement
SP Dr. Srinivas stated that the early detection and interception of the smugglers prevented the illegal felling of red sandalwood trees. He emphasized the importance of preserving forest resources and commended the Task Force for their swift action.
The timely intervention by the Task Force has once again safeguarded the precious red sandalwood trees of Seshachalam. The police continue their search for the remaining smugglers, ensuring the protection of the forest.
