Kanhangad: An SDPI leader was arrested for allegedly smuggling 1.3 kilogram sandalwood in Kanhangad, Kasaragod. The arrested has been identified as T Abdul Samad (45), SDPI president of Kanhangad constituency. He had contested in the previous Assembly election representing Kanhangad and secured 775 votes. 

As per reports, Samad was nabbed amid a vehicle inspection, led by inspector KP Shine, on the Mavunkal - Ramnagar road the other day. The sandalwood was found hidden inside clothes in his scooter. 

The police have seized the scooter, KL 14 S328, and the confiscated sandalwood was handed over to the forest department. According to police report, Samad is an accused in several theft and smuggling cases.