Forest Department seized two tonnes of red sanders that is estimated around Rs 1.5 crore from a house that belongs to former AIADMK panchayat union councilor in Mel Nagar village near Arani town in Tiruvannamalai.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Forest Department officials seized two tonnes of red sanders, which is estimated to be around ₹1.5 crore, from a house that belongs to former AIADMK functionary in Mel Nagar village near Arani town in Tiruvannamalai.
Forest officials said that based on a tip-off from residents, a police team from Kannamangalam police conducted a surprise search in the house, where the team found 106 logs of red sanders. The house belongs to S. Ravi, former AIADMK councilor for Arani West Panchayat Union.
Initial inquiry revealed that Ravi has been living in his daughter’s house for the past few years. He had given it to his nephew Rajesh, who is absconding, for its upkeep.
Following the seizure, police informed Arani forest range officer K. Pavannu, who inspected the house. Forest officials found that the seized wooden logs are of high quality red sanders that are found in Chittoor and Tirupati forest areas.
Kannamangalam police registered a case against Rajesh, who has several criminal cases related to red sanders smuggling in Chittoor and Tirupati. Special teams have been formed to nab him.
As per norms, the seized red sanders were sent to the government timber unit in Tirupattur to make incense sticks.
Published – November 20, 2025 12:57 am IST
