Involvement of gang members of slain sandalwood smuggler Veerappan in illegal red sander smuggling in the state's Seshachalam forest cannot be ruled out, Andhra Pradesh DGP B Prasada Rao said today.
"That talk is there...People who (earlier) worked with Veerappan gang or group are active. Some are active and there is no doubt in this regard. But there are many others who are coming (into AP) and are involved in red sander smuggling as stakes are very high," Prasada Rao told reporters here.
Asked if red sanders smuggling was becoming a big challenge for AP Police in the wake of two forest officials being stoned to death by red sander cutters in Seshachalam forests recently, he said, "I agree with you. It is taking a serious dimension and that's why we have become alert to the situation and want to control it before it aggravates."
Efforts are underway to check smuggling of red sanders and nab the kingpins of the smuggling rackets, the DGP said, adding, "We plan to maintain the pressure on the red sander smugglers so it doesn't assume the dimension of a mafia."
Of late, red sanders smuggling has taken serious dimension with attack and the killing of two forest officials following which Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy urged the AP Police and Forest department to work in coordination to curb the menace, he said.
Red sandalwood grows mainly in Seshachalam Hill Ranges spread across Kadapa, Chittoor and Kurnool in Rayalaseema region and parts of Nellore district. However, majority of red sander smuggling takes place in Chittoor and Kadapa.
Felling, transportation and sale of red sanders is prohibited in India.
Red sanders, or red sandalwood, has huge demand abroad, especially in China and Japan, and commands good price.
