Woodcutter killed as police open fire on red sander smugglers

A woodcutter from Tamil Nadu was killed when police opened fire on a group of red sander smugglers after they attacked the police and forest personnel in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh today, a senior official said.

The incident occurred when a joint team comprising police and forest staff was conducting combing operations in Balapalli forest area of the district.

According to DFO (Tirupati wildlife) G Srinivasulu, a gang of around 20-25 red-sander smugglers suddenly attacked the team with stones and axes.

"Despite warning, the stone pelting continued and police opened fire in self-defense on the attackers, following which one woodcutter from Tamil Nadu was killed while others fled from the scene," Srinivasulu said.
 

Combing has been intensified in the area to nab the absconding smugglers.