Balangir: Seven persons were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the alleged attack on Forest Department personnel during an anti-encroachment drive at Jubamal village under the Bangomunda range of Turekela police station limits in Balangir district.
The arrested accused have been identified as Pitambar Puta and Dibakar Puta of Mundapada village, and Gokul Charan Adjuad, Krishna Charan Adjuad, Madhu Adjuad, Tikaram Adjuad, and Bhojram Puta of Jubamal village.
According to police, the incident occurred on June 30, when a team of forest officials had gone to the area to monitor ongoing plantation work. A confrontation reportedly broke out with local villagers over alleged encroachment. The Forest Department had recently undertaken a plantation drive in the disputed land as part of an afforestation initiative.
During the inspection, a forester was allegedly attacked with sticks by a group of villagers. The situation further escalated when additional forest guards and personnel of the para squad arrived at the spot after being informed. They too were allegedly assaulted in the ensuing clash, leaving six forest officials injured.
Police stated that they have verified a viral video of the incident and initiated action based on a preliminary investigation. While five accused were arrested earlier, two more were apprehended on Wednesday.
Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the attack.
