Two police officers have been suspended by the Andhra Pradesh Government for their alleged involvement in red sanders smuggling.
There is strong evidence against the two officers-G Uday Kumar, the then OSD, Task Force, (Red Sanders, Tirupati) and G V Ramana, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Rajampet of Kadapa district - of their alleged involvement in illegal activities including red sanders smuggling, according to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's office.
The evidence reveals alleged nexus between red sanders smugglers and officers. It also points to officers allegedly accepting bribes from those involved in criminal cases, an official statement said.
Uday Kumar is currently serving as the DSP, CID.
"The evidence shows that Uday Kumar, during his tenure, had allegedly received huge bribes from red sandalwood smugglers every month. These red sandalwood smugglers came from neighbouring states and other Rayalaseema districts," it said.
The government also has proof that Ramana allegedly accepted bribes from people involved in criminal charges and it has been found that he facilitated easy passage of red sanders smugglers without any checks, the statement said.
The state government is going all out to curb rampant smuggling of red sanders and will not spare those involved in it, it said.
The Chief Minister has directed officials to take stringent action against those found guilty.
"With the state government stepping up vigil and combing operations, many skeletons are rolling out of closets proving the collusion between some officials and smugglers," it said.
"The government is committed to take stringent action against those involved in smuggling of the precious wood, the statement added.
