Khammam CCS police arrest two for tampering with forest permits

The Khammam Central Crime Station police apprehended two individuals on Sunday for allegedly manipulating Forest Department permits and illicitly transporting 'sandra' timber to a trader in Madhya Pradesh. The accused were identified as Korra Shiva, a timber merchant from Gopa Thanda in Mothey mandal of Suryapet district, and Radhe Shyam from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The arrests followed an extensive investigation into a complaint filed by the Khammam Forest Department.

According to the police, Shiva allegedly procured permits for 'Nalla Tumma' timber under the names of private individuals and altered them to display 'sandra karra' timber. The main accused allegedly cut down sandra trees in various areas of Mahabubabad district and sold the timber to Radhe Shyam, who subsequently transported it to a trader in Jhabua town, Madhya Pradesh, using forged permits, the police added.

Sandra timber is highly sought after in parts of Madhya Pradesh, where 'kattha,' an extract derived from the wood, is a key ingredient in 'pan masala.' The accused allegedly transported nearly nine lorry loads of timber to other States without proper authorization. An in-depth investigation is currently underway to uncover more details about the case.