Sun Dec 28 13:34:30 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a summary:

Summary:

Red sanders smuggling in the Seshachalam and Nallamala forests of Andhra Pradesh has significantly decreased in 2025, accompanied by a notable increase in the conviction rate of smugglers. The Red Sanders Anti Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) attributes this success to quality investigations, timely chargesheets, and strong coordination with prosecutors. Key smugglers have been arrested in multiple states, major smuggling routes disrupted, and significant seizures of red sanders logs have occurred. The RSASTF is also working on attaching properties of potential smugglers and has effectively utilized preventive detention measures and non-bailable warrants.

News Article:

Red Sanders Smuggling Plummets in Andhra Pradesh in 2025; Conviction Rate Soars

TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh – December 28, 2025 – Red sanders smuggling, a persistent problem in the Seshachalam and Nallamala forests spanning several districts of Andhra Pradesh, has witnessed a dramatic decline in 2025. Law enforcement officials also reported a significant improvement in the conviction rate of apprehended smugglers.

According to the Red Sanders Anti Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF), the success is a result of focused efforts including quality investigations, timely filing of chargesheets, and enhanced coordination with prosecution teams.

“We achieved a conviction rate of 87.5%, the highest since the inception of RSASTF,” stated Superintendent of Police L. Subbarayudu at a press conference held here today. He was joined by Superintendent of Police (RSASTF) P. Srinivas, and Chief Conservator of Forest C. Selvam.

The RSASTF has also started attaching properties of potential smugglers, and is currently devising a system to ensure its fool-proof implementation. The year saw 32 cases being disposed of by courts, 25 convictions, four acquittals and three abated cases.

Authorities reported the arrest of the 10 most-wanted smugglers from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and vulnerable locations in Bengaluru. The department has also invoked Preventive Detention (PD) Act in two cases this year against notorious smugglers.

Inter-state operations conducted in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, and New Delhi resulted in the seizure of red sanders logs worth ₹16.5 crore. “We managed to disrupt long-distance smuggling routes and supply chains,” Mr. Subbarayudu explained.

Furthermore, the department issued 212 Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) and arrested 52 absconding criminals by continuously raiding their residences through geo-mapping.

Divisional Forest officers V. Sai Baba (Tirupati), K. Ramakonda Reddy (flying squad), Additional SP J. Kulasekhar, Deputy Superintendents V. Srinivasa Reddy and Md. Shareef (both RSASTF) and Assistant Conservator J. Srinivas took part.

The RSASTF is optimistic that continued vigilance and strategic enforcement will further curb the illegal trade of red sanders in the region.

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