Mukesh Badani remanded to 14 days judicial custody in red sanders smuggling case

KADAPA: Suspected red sanders smuggler Mukesh Badani, who was arrested in Haryana on Saturday, was produced before a local court which remanded him in 14 days judicial custody.

Badvel Additional Junior Civil Judge Radha Rani last night remanded Badani in 14-day judicial custody after which he was taken to Kadapa jail amid tight security.

Kadapa Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramakrishnaiah told reporters that Badani was arrested at Mangali village of Hisar district in Haryana on May 16 by Andhra Pradesh Police team which allegedly seized 66 tonnes of red sanders logs worth around Rs 14 crore from his possession.

He was on Monday brought to Kadapa on transit warrant. Police will file a petition tomorrow in the court to seek Badani's custody for interrogation.

Meanwhile, Badani denied the charges and told the court that he did not know any advocates here and that his lawyers from Delhi will come in two days.

He claimed that he obtained permits from forest department to cut the red sanders in private lands and to transport the same.

He also said that he has all documentary evidence of his business and denied allegations of having any connection with local or international red sandalwood smugglers.