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In a scene that felt straight out of the movie “Pushpa: The Rise”, authorities foiled a red sandalwood smuggling attempt in the dense forests of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. Task Force personnel, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a vehicle carrying the prized wood near the Papavinasanam area.
The operation unfolded at a checkpoint set up near Parveti Mandapam, where officers stopped the vehicle for inspection. Much like the daring escapes depicted in the movie, the smugglers abandoned the vehicle and fled into the forest, vanishing into the dense terrain and evading capture.
The confiscated vehicle and red sandalwood logs were later transported to the Tirumala Forest Office for further investigation. Authorities are working to uncover the smuggling network and prevent further exploitation of the valuable red sandalwood, which has a global demand due to its rarity and high market value.
The incident underscores the real-world challenges of protecting the region’s natural resources. Officials have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on illegal operations and safeguarding Tirumala’s forests from those attempting to exploit its riches.
Previously, Andhra Pradesh Police arrested four smugglers and seized 158 red sandalwood logs worth Rs 1.91 crore in July 2024. They also seized a mini lorry, a tractor, and a two-wheeler.
Acting on credible information, police conducted surprise checks on the Proddatur-Yerraguntla road near Potladurthi village in Kadapa district. They intercepted a mini lorry loaded with red sandalwood logs ready for transport.
