Notorious red sanders smuggler shot, nabbed in Kadapa operation

Superintendent of Police Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke addressing the media after arresting notorious red sanders smuggler Simpathi Jakeer, at Mydukur police station in Kadapa district on Thursday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT The Kadapa police reportedly nabbed Simpathi Jakeer alias Shaik Chempati Jakeer (32), a notorious red sanders smuggler with 99 cases against him, including 82 cases related to red sanders smuggling.Jakeer is reportedly known to have violently attacked the police as many as 80 times in the past, including attempting to stab officials with a knife, running them over with his vehicle or hurling large stones while trying to escape.Following intelligence inputs, the police intensified surveillance on the various smuggling routes over the last two days. One of the teams reportedly intercepted a carriage truck and a four-wheeler near Jagananna Colony in Duvvur mandal early on Thursday. Jakeer, hailing from Chapadu mandal in Kadapa district, was surprisingly found with the group. Upon noticing him, Chapadu Sub Inspector (SI) Chinna Peddaiah warned him to surrender, while a constable tried to apprehend him.Jakeer, who was in no mood to relent, reportedly tried to attack the police personnel with a knife, but the Sub Inspector fired two rounds in the air and another at Jakeer’s left leg, injuring him. In the struggle that ensued constable Chennaiah sustained a stab wound. Both Jakeer and Chennaiah received first-aid and were rushed to the local government hospital for further treatment. Superintendent of Police Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke speaking to injured constable Chennaiah at Mydukur government hospital in Kadapa district on Thursday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (SP) Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke rushed to Mydukur and gathered details of the incident.Speaking to the media, he said red sanders smuggling would be dealt with as an organised crime, and the financial transactions of the accused would also investigated. “If needed, sections of the Preventive Detention (PD) Act will be invoked on those found regularly perpetrating the crime,” the SP warned.The SP appreciated Mydukur Sub Divisional Police Officer G. Rajendra Prasad and his team for the brave act and announced rewards for them.Mr. Nachiket observed that the red sanders native to Seshachalam forest would be treated as national treasure. “Although there is widespread demand, nobody is allowed to fell the trees or transport the wood,” he added, warning smugglers of dire consequences if they failed to mend their ways. Published - September 24, 2026 07:15 pm IST