HC seeks details of politicos, cops in red sanders smuggling

A division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice P Velmurugan made the observation while hearing an habeas corpus plea seeking to produce a person held for smuggling.

The bench led by Justice Kirubakaran cited several instances where Andhra police had either arrested or shot down workers, who are mostly from SC/ST communities hailing from Tiruvannamalai and Dharmapuri, and added that these workers were exploited by businessmen and police due to lack of job opportunities in Tamil Nadu.

Unless the workers were provided jobs in their home districts, such instances were bound to happen, the bench said. Suo motu impleading State police chief in the case, it then sought details for a slew of questions on the number of cases booked, and whether the names of politicians, businessmen and police figured in the list.

The bench also sought details regarding the alternate employment provided to those held for cutting red sanders and whether Tamil Nadu and Andhra police have taken any joint effort to curtail its smuggling. The plea is scheduled to be taken up for further hearing in two weeks.