Balangir: Six forest officials were injured after being allegedly attacked by villagers during a confrontation over encroached forest land in Jubamal village under the Bangomunda range and Turekela police station limits in Balangir district, officials said on Tuesday.
According to officials, the incident occurred when Forest Department personnel went to the area where encroachment had been reported in the Mundapara area of Jubamal village. The department had recently initiated tree plantation work on the disputed land as part of an afforestation drive.
A forester visited the site to inspect the ongoing plantation work when a group of villagers allegedly confronted and attacked him with sticks. Following the initial assault, the forester reportedly informed and called for additional forest guards and members of the para squad to the spot.
However, the situation escalated after the reinforcements arrived, and they too were allegedly assaulted by the villagers, reports said.
In the incident, one forester, three forest guards, and two para squad members sustained injuries. The injured personnel were provided medical assistance.
The incident came to light after a video of the assault surfaced on social media and went viral, drawing attention to the confrontation between villagers and forest officials.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed in the area following the incident. Turekela police have launched an investigation into the matter and are verifying the circumstances leading to the clash. Police said efforts are underway to trace those involved, who are reportedly absconding.
However, there has been no official response from the police regarding the incident so far.
