In an operation reminiscent of a high-octane thriller, the Hulimavu police in Bengaluru engaged in a dramatic cross-state chase, pursuing a red sandalwood smuggler all the way to Tamil Nadu. The intense pursuit led to the significant seizure of 316 kg of red sanders and a vehicle, although the fugitive driver managed to escape. This incident is part of a larger crackdown that has uncovered a sophisticated smuggling network operating between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu via Bengaluru.
The High-Speed Pursuit and Seizure
Acting on specific intelligence received on November 7, police officers rushed to Gottigere lake on Bannerghatta Main Road. There, they detained Ahmed Pasha (29), a resident of Saraipalya and native of Chintamani, and recovered 95 kg of red sanders from his Maruti Suzuki Zen. A case was promptly registered against him under the Karnataka Forest Act.
During a subsequent 20-day investigation, Pasha confessed to his role in the racket. He revealed that he and his associates procured red sanders at a low price from a contact in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, and transported the precious wood to Tirupathur in Tamil Nadu for a higher price. He also informed the police that an associate was simultaneously transporting another consignment to Tirupathur in a separate car.
Police set up a barricade to intercept this second vehicle. However, the driver spotted the trap, accelerated onto NICE Road, and sped towards Hosur. Officers gave chase in a high-speed pursuit that stretched from Bengaluru all the way to Tirupathur. Despite their efforts, the smuggler evaded capture on the rural backroads. The abandoned car, covered with a tarpaulin, was later traced to Chinnakandili village. With the assistance of Tamil Nadu police, authorities seized the vehicle containing approximately 316 kg of red sanders.
Uncovering the Extent of the Smuggling Racket
The investigation deepened, revealing a well-organized operation. Pasha led the police to a hidden pit dug in the forest area of Kulumepalya near Bannerghatta, where logs were stashed. From this location, police recovered an additional 496 kg of red sanders and another vehicle used in the smuggling. Furthermore, 236 kg of red sanders were recovered from a juvenile linked to the racket.
In total, the Hulimavu police operation resulted in the seizure of 1,143 kg of red sanders and three vehicles. Ahmed Pasha is currently in judicial custody, while the search for his escaped associate and other accused persons continues.
Parallel Seizure by RT Nagar Police
In a related crackdown, the RT Nagar police acted on a tip-off and arrested two smugglers on November 29. The police found a Mahindra Bolero parked in the Onion Ground at KHM Block in RT Nagar, loaded with red sanders concealed in gunny bags. The arrested individuals were identified as Varaprasad Reddy and Rajashekar, both unemployed and hailing from Andhra Pradesh.
They confessed to having stolen the red sanders from Sundupalli in Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh, and coming to Bengaluru to sell the timber to other smugglers. From them, the RT Nagar police seized 754.2 kg of red sandalwood. Combined with the Hulimavu haul, the police have effectively intercepted nearly 1,900 kg of the contraband wood in recent weeks, dealing a significant blow to the interstate smuggling syndicate.
