Red sanders smuggler gets five years RI

Additional District Judge Court (Red Sanders) Justice A. Narasimha Murthy on Tuesday sentenced one Gaddam Ravi (40) to five years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹6 lakh in a 2018 red sanders smuggling case registered under K.V. Palli police limits of the present Annamayya district.

Mr. Gaddam Ravi, a resident of Mudiyamvaripalli in Kalakada mandal of Annamayya district, was found guilty of illegal transportation of red sanders. Pronouncing the verdict, the court stated that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional six months’ simple imprisonment. Four other accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Superintendent of Police Dheeraj Kunubilli said that the verdict should serve as a deterrent to those involved in forest crimes. “No one is above the law. We are committed to curbing the menace of red sanders smuggling with an iron hand,” he said. The SP commended Deputy SP M.R. Krishna Mohan, Special Public Prosecutor A. Amaranarayana, and the investigation and court liaison officers for their coordinated efforts.