It is known that Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up for the auction of 4510 tonnes of Red Sandal in global tenders. These logs were seized by the government from smugglers in various instances. Government plans to use the amount from the auction to the promised loan waiver. However there is a new demand that the money should go to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
In 1885, the then British Government released a decree that seven hills of Tirumala will belong to the land. Most of the seized red sandal is from Seshachalam forests available in the seven hills. So the Veda Pandits are demanding that the amount collected from the Red Sandal Auction should be deposited to the TTD account. They are arguing that the government will not have any right on the money belonging to the Lord. On the other side, the first auction of 4510 tonnes will take place from 19th August to 26th August.
