Mandal Executive Magistrate in Renigunta here, let off the 84 accused on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each.
The magistrate M Narasimhulu Naidu also warned them against indulging in such activities again and said the punishment would be vigorous if they break the law next time.
Later, as a precautionary measure, they all were transported to Vellore and Tiruvannamalai by the buses arranged by the Tamil Nadu government, Sub-Inspector of Police, Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force, G Ashok Kumar said.
The Andhra Pradesh Police had yesterday arrested 84 suspected red sander woodcutters hailing from Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts when they were on their way to Seshachalam forest at Anjaneyapuram, 15 km from here.
On February 28, a PIL was filed in the Madras High Court alleging that over 500 suspected woodcutters from Tamil Nadu had been "illegally detained" by the Andhra Pradesh Police.
The PIL had requested the court to take an appropriate action against "erring officials" of that state.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
