64 Villagers Booked for Attacking Forest Patrol, Critically Injuring Inspector in Pilibhit
64 Villagers Booked for Attacking Forest Patrol in Pilibhit

64 Villagers Booked for Attacking Forest Patrol, Critically Injuring Inspector in Pilibhit

In a shocking incident at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), a case has been registered against 64 villagers, including the head of Marauri village, for allegedly assaulting a forest patrol team and critically injuring a forest inspector. Police confirmed the development on Thursday, highlighting a severe clash between forest officials and local residents.

Violent Confrontation Near Forest Watchtower

The attack occurred around 8:30 PM on Tuesday near a watchtower close to the Marauri crossing, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Mala forest range of PTR. According to forest inspector Sumit Kumar, the villagers were armed with sticks, spears, and axes and were heading towards the core forest area with intentions to fell trees and hunt wildlife.

Acting on Kumar's alert, forest personnel, including deputy range officer Sher Singh and guard Sachin Singh, intervened to stop the illegal activities. However, the situation quickly escalated into violence as the villagers allegedly launched a brutal assault on the team.

Critical Injuries and Property Damage

During the confrontation, forest inspector Sumit Kumar sustained critical head injuries, while other members of the patrol team were also hurt. The mob did not stop there; they reportedly vandalized Sher Singh's car and a motorcycle, stole bicycles belonging to field staff, and fled the scene.

Kumar further alleged that the villagers threatened the forest personnel with more attacks if they continued to disrupt their "activities." Following the incident, the staff promptly shifted Kumar to the Autonomous State Medical College hospital for urgent medical treatment.

FIR Filed Under Multiple Charges

Neuria SHO Subhash Mawi stated that an FIR has been registered against Marauri village head Mewa Ram, along with 13 named individuals and 50 unidentified persons. The charges include:

  • Rioting under BNS section 191 (2)
  • Voluntarily causing hurt under BNS section 115 (2)
  • Criminal intimidation under BNS section 351 (3)
  • Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging duty under BNS section 132
  • Violations under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act

This case underscores the ongoing tensions between forest conservation efforts and local communities in protected areas, raising concerns about the safety of forest personnel and the enforcement of environmental laws.