Ttask force officials suspended for smuggling Hyderabad, Sept 18 (INN): The Andhra Pradesh Government on Thursday suspended two officials for their alleged involvement in the Red Sanders smuggling.
Those suspended officers are G Uday Kumar, the then OSD Task Force, (Red Sanders, Tirupati) and GV Ramana, SDPO Rajampet of Kadapa District. Uday Kumar was currently serving as DSP CID.
"There is strong evidence against the two officers for their involvement in illegal activities including Red Sanders smuggling. The evidence also reveals the nexus between Red Sanders smugglers and officers. The evidence also points to officers accepting bribes from those involved in criminal cases," a press release from the Chief Minister's Office said.
"The evidence shows that Uday Kumar, during his tenure, had received huge bribes from Red Sandalwood smugglers every month. These Red Sandalwood smugglers came from neighbouring states and other Rayalaseema districts.
The government also has proof that Ramana, accepted bribes from people involved in criminal charges. It has been found that he has facilitated easy passage of Red Sanders smugglers without any checks," the release added.
The State Government has announced that it would curb rampant smuggling of Red Sanders and would not spare those involved in it. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials to take stringent action against those found guilty.
Over 1,000 persons have been arrested for their involvement in smuggling this invaluable forest resource. 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. The government has requested people to help in identifying officials and leaders involved in these illegal activities.
News Posted: 18 September, 2014
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