Timing raises eyebrows

The timing of the encounter that rocked the Seshachalam forests on Tuesday, in which 20 woodcutters were killed on the spot raised eyebrows in political and official circles.

It may be recalled that only a few days ago Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force Head and DIG M.

Kantha Rao had sought permission from the State government to open fire on those unlawfully entering into the protected Seshachalam forests.

The intention of the Task Force was to bar the entry of outsiders into the red sanders-rich forest.

The encounter, more importantly, the number of people who had been gunned down, has created ripples even in the police circles. It is still unclear whether the government had accorded permission to the Task Force for opening fire.