Pawan Kalyan praises journalist for exposing red sanders smuggling in new documentary
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has publicly praised senior investigative journalist Sudhakar Reddy Udumula for his long and risky work uncovering the Red Sanders smuggling network. The Minister, who also handles Municipal Administration, Environment and Forests, said the journalist’s investigation has played an important role in helping the public understand the scale of the crisis.
Writing on X, Pawan Kalyan thanked Sudhakar Reddy for the years he spent gathering evidence in dangerous conditions. He said such work is essential because people need to know the truth behind the destruction of Red Sanders trees and the powerful groups involved. He added that the journalist would soon be invited to a government round-table discussion on the issue.
The Deputy Chief Minister also praised the documentary Planet Killers, which is based on Sudhakar Reddy’s book Blood Sanders: The Great Forest Heist. He said the film clearly shows how thousands of valuable Red Sanders trees were cut down and smuggled out of the Seshachalam forests. According to him, the documentary explains not only the environmental damage but also the criminal network responsible for it, including international operators and local gangs.
Pawan Kalyan warned that some criminals involved in the trade have political backing and use their influence to protect the smuggling network. He called these individuals “dangerous” and said they misuse their power for personal gain.
Years of Reporting Behind the Documentary
Planet Killers expands on Sudhakar Reddy’s long investigative journey. His book, launched earlier by former Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana, examined the Red Sanders mafia in great detail. The documentary, produced by Martin Boudot and directed by Hugo Van Offel, follows the smuggling trail across several Indian locations—such as Tirupati, Hyderabad, Kadapa and Chennai, and abroad, including France, Dubai and Interpol offices in Lyon and Singapore.
The project involved extensive travel through forests and remote areas, as well as interviews with woodcutters, smugglers, police officers and accused individuals like Gangi Reddy.
Responding to Pawan Kalyan’s appreciation, Sudhakar Reddy said he was grateful and hoped the renewed attention would lead to stronger action to protect Red Sanders and the forests where they grow.
