Sambalpur: Amid reports of kendu leaf smuggling, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) of Rairakhol Forest Division Debiprasad Rout was allegedly attacked by kendu leaf mafia Tuesday.
Following a complaint, police booked six kendu leaf smugglers and detained another for allegedly attacking the ACF and members of his team near Gargadbahal village in Sambalpur district Tuesday night.
As per reports, ACF Debiprasad Rout received information about illegal transportation of a huge quantity of kendu leaves in the forests under Charmal police station. He along with a team rushed to the place for investigation.
However, six persons suspected to be kendu leaf smugglers stopped the patrolling vehicle and threatened the ACF after pulling out sharp weapons.
In the meantime, a pick-up van carrying smuggled kendu leaves hit the officer’s vehicle from the side and fled the spot.
“After receiving leads from reliable sources regarding the smuggling of kendu leaves, a team of forest staff reached the spot for investigation. However, they were intercepted and threatened by the smugglers. On hearing this, I immediately rushed to the spot and managed to bring back the team,” informed the ACF.
Rout said, “When we were returning to office, my vehicle was stopped mid-way near Gargadbahal village by six persons. They issued me life threats and a vehicle loaded with kendu leaves hit the patrolling van from the side and fled the spot. The driver received minor injuries in the incident,” the ACF added.
Following the incident, ACF Debiprasad Rout lodged an FIR with Charmal police.
Rairakhol Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Prashant Kumar Meher said, “Based on the FIR, a case has been registered against six persons. We have also detained a vehicle and its driver. The vehicle is the one which collided with the ACF’s patrolling van. Further investigation is underway. Appropriate action will be taken against the attackers.”
PNN