Dy CM Pawan goes tough on Red Sanders. Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Friday urged officials to crack down on the masterminds behind red sandalwood smuggling. He held a review meeting with forest and police officials at his camp office to discuss the ongoing issue.
The meeting came on the heels of a significant seizure of red sandalwood in Kadapa district. Police confiscated 158 logs, valued at Rs 1.6 crore, from a dump at Jagananna Colony in Potladurthi. While the police briefed Pawan Kalyan about the seizure, he emphasized that arresting workers and seizing logs alone will not eradicate the smuggling menace. He demanded that officials identify and apprehend the kingpins orchestrating the racket.
Pawan Kalyan scrutinized existing red sandalwood cases, inquiring about their progress and the status of previous judgements. He also sought information regarding seized logs in other states, pushing for their prompt return to Andhra Pradesh.
He highlighted the prevalence of red sandalwood smuggling to Nepal and requested a dedicated focus on resolving cases involving seized logs in that country. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a swift return of these logs to the state.
The deputy chief minister also delved into the issue of red sandalwood auctions. He reviewed past auctions and sought information about future plans. He further requested data on available red sandalwood logs that could be auctioned.
Pawan Kalyan's proactive stance underscores his commitment to curbing the rampant red sandalwood smuggling. His call for a focused approach targeting the perpetrators rather than just the laborers signals a decisive shift in the fight against this illegal activity.