Tirupati: A suspended constable belonging to Yerravaripalem police station was arrested for his alleged role in red sanders smuggling. The arrested constable identified as Ch. Gurrappa (PC-2958) has been placed under suspension for the past two months, following the allegations of corruption leveled against him, said Tirupati police.
He was arrested by the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) after his involvement in the smuggling racket was established.
According to official reports, the RSASTF, which was constituted to put a check on smuggling of sanders in the region, found the complicity of the accused constable Gurrappa with smugglers during a probe carried against him.
The probe findings revealed there were the links between the constable and one of the primary accused designated as (A4) in the case. Following the outcomes of the investigation going against the accused constable, Tirupati SP L. Subba Rayudu issued an order for his immediate arrest.
His involvement in corrupt practices had raised internal concerns in the police department leading to his removal from the active duty. The accused constable’s continued association with the individuals implicated in the illegal trade of red sanders was the prime reason of his arrest.
The network of red sanders smuggling activities poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies and it operates through a complex web of hierarchy, involving local operatives as well as overseas contacts.
“Gurrappa’s connections with smugglers suggested that he might have provided critical support to the network while he was in service,” a police officer said.
SP Rayudu said the force will not tolerate any misconduct, especially when it is related to illegal trade of red sanders.
