Odisha forest officials attacked by cashew nut mafia

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Konark, Apr 15:

A day after eight forest officials were attacked in Balasore district, at least two forest officials were today attacked by a group of unidentified men allegedly involved in cashew nut stealing from Ramchandi forest under Balukhanda sanctuary in Odisha’s Puri district.

The forest officials—forester Jogendranath Patra and watchman Bharat Pradhan—were attacked by the mafia while they were on patrolling duty. The miscreants, however, managed to flee.

The duo has been admitted to Puri district headquarters hospital for treatment.

A written complaint has been filed with the Konark police station.

Yesterday evening, eight forest officials, including a ranger and a woman staff, were attacked by locals at Hatikhulia village in Kuldiha sanctuary in Balasore district and were reportedly held hostage.

According to reports, a forester had gone to the village to make an on-the-spot verification about the reports of villagers planning to damage a forest beat house. However, the villagers held the forester Sukumar Das and two others hostage. The locals also snatched the service weapons and mobile phones.

After getting reports, a team led by Kuldiha Ranger Laxman Kumar Pradhan went to the village to rescue the hostages. The villagers also attacked them. However, they managed to free the hostages and flee the spot.

Later, they were admitted to the hospital and provided treatment.