TIRUPATI: The Seshachalam forests on Saturday, witnessed yet another clash between red sanders woodcutters and task force officials, which prompted the latter to open a round of fire in self defence and nab five of them with 15 red sanders logs. Two officials were injured and no causalities have been reported.
According to sources, task force officials conducted raids in Jerribanda area of Chandragiri mandal and came face to face with as many as 20 woodcutters, who were found transporting red sanders logs from the forest. Taken aback by the sudden confrontation, woodcutters began pelting stones on the party, injuring two of them in the process.
When the task force officials opened one round of fire in self defence, the woodcutters fled from the spot. However, the officials managed to nab five of them and seized 15 red sanders logs estimated at a value of Rs.60 lakh.
When the last reports came in, forest and police officials were en route to assess the situation at the spot. No causalities have been reported by the officials.
