Three forest officials and a vehicle driver were injured after suspected red sanders smugglers rammed their patrol vehicle while attempting to break through a blockade in Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district on Sunday, officials said.
The incident occurred near Bommayigaripalli village in Rompicherla mandal during 'Operation Aranya', launched by the Forest Department to curb red sanders smuggling.
Acting on a tip-off about the movement of a gang transporting red sanders logs, forest personnel parked their patrol vehicle across the road to stop the smugglers. However, the suspects allegedly accelerated their vehicle and rammed into the patrol vehicle in an attempt to escape.
The forest personnel risked their lives to apprehend two suspects. Red sanders logs, a weighing machine, a saw blade, axes and the vehicle allegedly used for smuggling were also seized.
The injured were identified as Forest Section Officer K. Prakash Kumar, Forest Beat Officers P. Reddy Prasad and K. Pratap, and patrol vehicle driver Charan. They were admitted to SVRR Government Hospital in Tirupati for treatment and are reported to be out of danger.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan commended the forest personnel for their efforts and spoke to senior Forest Department officials to review the situation.
Pawan Kalyan assured that the injured personnel would receive the best possible medical care and that the government would bear the entire cost of their treatment. He also directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to closely monitor their condition until they fully recover.
The Forest Minister ordered strict legal action against those involved in red sanders smuggling, forest-related crimes and attacks on government personnel on duty. He said the coalition government remains committed to curbing forest crimes.
He also directed the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force to maintain heightened surveillance on smuggling gangs and swiftly apprehend the three remaining suspects who are currently absconding.
