Tirupati Special Court Judge Red Sanders A. Narasimhamoorthy on Monday (December 1, 2025) sentenced two smuggling agents to five years in jail each along with a fine of ₹ 3,000 per accused in the 2018 case.
According to police, the convicts — Pagadala Venkataramana (46) and Mallela Harinath (45) of Sadum mandal in Chittoor district were part of a group involved in illegal transportation of red sanders.
On 25 January 2018, Rompicherla police in Chittoor district received information about a smuggling attempt and set up vehicle checks at Dandapanti Thopu Cross. The accused, who were carrying logs of red sanders in the car, tried to flee but were nabbed after a short chase while three others managed to escape.
The police seized six logs of red sanders weighing 161 kg and the car used in the attack. A case has been registered under various sections of the IPC and relevant provisions of the AP Forest Act. After the trial, both accused were found guilty.
Published – 01 Dec 2025 20:17 IST
