Two arrested for stealing cars, transporting red sanders

Hyderabad: A B. Tech student and a dancer were arrested on Tuesday from Bahadurpura area here on charges of stealing cars and transporting red sanders wood to neighbouring Karnataka state, police said.

Accused C Teja Mohan Raju along with his roommates T Vinayaka and Prasad used to transport red sanders to Kolar of Karnataka after collecting wood from Naresh, Nayeem and Jakeer of Kadapa district (of Andhra Pradesh), who are involved in red sanders smuggling, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detective Department) G Pala Raju told reporters.

Teja, who is a native of Kadapa and pursuing B.Tech at a college here was leading a lavish lifestyle by hiring cars from travelling agencies. Later, he started hiring cars on credit basis and when he was unable to pay off debts he stole three cars along with his roommates, the senior police officer said.

Subsequently, Teja came in contact with the three smugglers and started transporting red sanders in the stolen cars alongwith Vinayaka and Prasad. After reaching Kolar, Nayeem and Jakeer, used to sell the same to one Chota Bhai, a notorious red sanders smuggler, the DCP explained.

Acting on a tip-off, sleuths of Central Crime Station, a wing of Hyderabad Police laid a trap and nabbed Teja and Vinayaka, a dancer, last night from Bahadurpura. Three cars and 60 kgs red-sandalwood worth Rs 60 lakh was seized from them, Raju said.

"We have informed the matter to AP Police and efforts are on to nab the other accused. Chota Bhai used to smuggle red sanders through Mangalore sea port which was subsequently smuggled to Dubai," he said.

The accused have been booked under relevant sections of IPC and Indian Forest Act. Further investigations are on, he added.