In a predawn operation, the Red Sanders Anti Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) nabbed 22 red sanders smuggling operatives and seized 35 logs, two motorcycles and two four-wheelers from their possession, on the Chandragiri-Gadanki stretch of Chittoor highway on Thursday.
Further investigation by officials on Friday, revealed the modus operandi of the smuggling operatives, who seemed to have employed the services of ‘hijackers.’
According to a senior task force official, Gemini Ganeshan, a Tamil Nadu-based settler residing in Chandragiri mandal, trained 10-15 youngsters to work as ‘hijackers.’’
Their main purpose is to lurk on the suspected smuggling routes, mainly the exits, and create a police attack-like situation to chase the operatives away.
Using tactics like bursting crackers, making loud noises and flashing torch lights, the hijackers create panic among the smuggling operatives, who subsequently abandon the logs and flee the spot.
Modus operandi reveals employment of log ‘hijackers’
