Illegal Sand Miners Attack Forest Officials in Madhya Pradesh

Forest officials were attacked by illegal sand miners who fled with two tractor-trolleys of seized sand in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district. The incident occurred in the Bada Malhera area. A case has been registered against the accused under multiple charges.

In a brazen attack, illegal sand miners assaulted forest officials and absconded with two tractor-trolleys loaded with seized sand in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The confrontation unfolded on Saturday in the Bada Malhera area, under the jurisdiction of Gulganj police station.

Forest Range Officer Rajendra Pastor revealed that the officials had acted on a tip-off regarding illicit sand mining in a river within the Bhartoli forest beat.

During the operation, the forest team successfully seized two tractor-trolleys.

However, one of the accused, Shailendra Singh from Gadha, attempted to mow down the officials with a tractor-trolley and damaged a forest department vehicle before fleeing with the sand-laden trolleys.

A case has been filed against Singh under the Forest Act, including charges for obstructing official duty, damaging government property, and obscene acts, according to Sub Divisional Officer of Police Rohit Amawa.

(With inputs from agencies.)