Forest Guard Crushed to Death by Sand Mafia Tractor in Morena, Echoing 2012 IPS Officer Tragedy
A forest guard was tragically crushed to death under the wheels of a tractor-trolley transporting illegally mined sand when he attempted to halt the vehicle during a routine patrol in Morena district on Wednesday morning. This horrific incident occurred in the same Chambal sanctuary region where IPS officer Narendra Kumar was similarly run over by a tractor in Banmore back in March 2012, highlighting a persistent and deadly pattern of violence against enforcement personnel.
Details of the Fatal Morning Patrol
The latest tragedy unfolded around 6 am near the Ranpur village crossing. According to police reports, a six-member forest department team from the Ambah range had embarked on their routine patrolling mission at approximately 5:30 am using an official vehicle. During their patrol, the team encountered a tractor-trolley heavily loaded with sand approaching from the opposite direction.
When the forest officials signaled for the vehicle to stop, the driver, identified as Vinod Kori, allegedly attempted to flee the scene. In a brave but fatal move, forest guard Harkesh Gurjar, aged 33, stepped forward to intercept the speeding tractor. Tragically, he was run over by the vehicle and died instantly at the spot. The driver then fled with the tractor, escaping the scene of the crime.
Police authorities have confirmed that CCTV footage from a nearby petrol pump has captured images of the accused driver, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
Official Response and Family Allegations
Senior officials, including Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid, SP Sameer Saurabh, and DFO Harishchandra Baghel, promptly visited the incident site and conducted interviews with eyewitnesses. Based on a formal complaint filed by range officer Veer Kumar Tirkey, police have registered a case of murder against three individuals: driver Vinod Kori, along with tractor owners Sonu Chauhan and Pawan Tomar, who had jointly purchased the vehicle.
Gaurav Gurjar, the deceased guard's brother-in-law who claimed to be present during the patrol, has alleged that the driver deliberately ran the tractor over Harkesh when the team tried to stop the vehicle. This allegation adds a chilling dimension to what appears to be a premeditated act of violence.
The incident sparked immediate protests at the post-mortem facility, reflecting public outrage over the brazen attack. Congress leader and former leader of opposition Govind Singh commented that the incident starkly reflects the growing influence and audacity of the sand mafia in the Chambal region.
Recurring Pattern of Violence in Chambal Region
Forest department officers have stated that departmental assistance to the grieving family will be initiated promptly. They have also indicated that demands for a government job for the widow and martyr status for the slain guard will be forwarded to higher authorities for consideration.
Harkesh Gurjar had recently been posted to the Ambah range following a transfer from another district. He is survived by his wife, a four-year-old daughter, and a two-year-old son, leaving behind a devastated family.
Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid announced that raids are being conducted at possible hideouts of the accused and assured the public that the perpetrators would be arrested soon. However, officials have pointed out a disturbing recurring pattern in the Chambal region where drivers deliberately run over enforcement personnel to avoid seizure of vehicles used in illegal sand mining operations.
The 2012 case of IPS officer Narendra Kumar serves as a grim precedent—he too was crushed under tractor wheels when attempting to stop a vehicle involved in illegal activities. With illegal sand mining frequently reported from areas surrounding the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, several government employees have been attacked in similar fashion by the sand mafia over the past three decades, indicating a systemic problem that requires urgent and comprehensive intervention.
