Tirupati Special Red Sanders Court Judge A. Narasimhamoorthy on Monday (December 01, 2025) sentenced two smuggling operatives to five years’ imprisonment each, along with a fine of ₹3 lakh per accused, in a 2018 case.
According to police, the convicts — Pagadala Venkataramana (46) and Mallela Harinath (45) of Sadum mandal of Chittoor district — were part of a group involved in the illegal transportation of red sanders.
On January 25, 2018, the Rompicherla police of Chittoor district received information about the smuggling attempt and set up vehicle checks at Dandapanti Thopu Cross. The accused, carrying red sanders logs in a car, tried to escape but were apprehended after a brief chase, while three others managed to flee.
Police seized six red sanders logs weighing 161 kg and the car used in the operation. A case was registered under various IPC Sections and relevant provisions of the AP Forest Act. Following completion of trial, both accused were found guilty.
Published – December 01, 2025 08:17 pm IST
