Action will be initiated against those involved in sandalwood smuggling in Puducherry: Lt. Governor

Puducherry Lt. Governor vows action against sandalwood smugglers, addresses complaints on resto bars and drug peddlers.

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan has said that action would be taken against those involved in the smuggling of sandalwood in Puducherry.

“Investigation is on into the case. Whoever is involved, irrespective of their position, action will be initiated against them,” he said to a query from media persons on the sidelines of a function to mark the culmination of a 10-day NCC ocean sailing expedition at the fishing harbour at Thengaithittu on Monday (June 17, 2024).

He was responding to a question on the seizure of sandalwood from a factory established on a land owned by the daughter of a Minister in Puducherry government.

When asked about the complaint raised by Minister for Civil Supplies A.K. Sai J. Saravanan Kumar on the functioning of resto bars, the Lt. Governor said the grievances raised by the Minister would be looked into.

The government would consider the Minister’s demand to relocate resto bars from residential areas, he said adding liquor shops have been functioning in Puducherry for a long time.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said the police have launched a crackdown on drug peddlers.

“The issue of functioning of liquor outlets and drug menace need not be compared with each other. Both are different issues. The complaints on resto bars will be addressed. The crackdown against sale of drugs will continue and the menace will be eradicated from Puducherry,” the Lt. Governor said.