Bhubaneswar: Seven persons have been arrested for the attempted murder of Vyasanagar Tahsildar Prashant Kumar Panda, who was deliberately run over by a tractor during an anti-illegal mining raid near Minabazar Chowk under Korei police station in Jajpur district.
During the operation, Korei police seized 5 tractors and 2 JCB machines allegedly used in the illegal soil lifting. The arrested persons have been booked under relevant sections, including attempt to murder, at Korei police station.
The incident took place on Saturday when the Tahsildar reached the spot with his team following a tip-off about unauthorised soil excavation from a pond.
As officials tried to stop the illegal activity and question the workers operating heavy machinery, the situation turned violent. Miscreants allegedly attempted to flee, and one of them rammed a tractor into the Tahsildar, running him over in a clear bid to murder him and escape arrest.Panda suffered serious injuries and was first rushed to Korei Community Health Centre before being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for better treatment. He is currently undergoing treatment and reported to be in critical but stable condition.
