A forest department team was attacked with sharp weapons during a raid at a warehouse in Pahadi Colony, Bazpur, late Wednesday night. Forest sub-inspector Surendra Singh of the Rudrapur range suffered injuries to his head and hand and was taken to the government hospital in Bazpur.
The operation was conducted jointly by the Rudrapur and Bazpur forest departments after information was received about the suspected illegal storage of teak and khair wood. The team reached the warehouse at around night 12:00 after Rudrapur Ranger Lakshman Singh Bisht received the information.
According to the forest department, people present at the warehouse began arguing with the officials after seeing the department vehicles. Others from the surrounding area also gathered at the location. The situation escalated when the warehouse operator and his associates allegedly attacked the forest personnel with sharp weapons.
Singh was injured during the assault. Other members of the team managed to protect him and move him away from the immediate danger. Police from the Kotwali reached the location after receiving information about the incident.
Wood seized from warehouse
The people accused of carrying out the attack allegedly escaped into the darkness when police arrived. The forest team seized a large quantity of teak and khair wood from the warehouse.
The department said the seized wood was believed to be worth lakhs of rupees in the market. Officials took it into custody and transported it to the range office.
The injured forest sub-inspector received treatment at the Bazpur government hospital. His condition was reported to be out of danger after the attack.
Forest department preparing complaint
Ranger Lakshman Singh Bisht said the warehouse had allegedly been used for illegal timber smuggling for a long time. Officials were working to identify those involved, he said.
The forest department said it would soon submit a complaint to the police. The proposed case is expected to include provisions under the Forest Act, along with sections concerning obstruction of government work and assault.
No arrest was reported in the available account. The police response and the proposed complaint will determine the next formal stage of the case.
Conclusion
A joint forest raid in Bazpur led to the seizure of teak and khair wood, but the operation was disrupted by an alleged sharp-weapon attack that injured Forest sub-inspector Surendra Singh. The forest department is identifying the accused and preparing a police complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the attack take place?
The attack took place at a warehouse in Pahadi Colony, Bazpur.
Q. Who was injured?
Forest sub-inspector Surendra Singh of the Rudrapur range was injured in the attack.
Q. What injuries did Singh suffer?
He suffered injuries to his head and hand.
Q. What wood was seized?
The forest department seized teak and khair wood from the warehouse.
Q. What happened to the alleged attackers?
They allegedly fled into the darkness when police reached the location.
Q. What is Singh’s condition?
His condition was reported to be out of danger after treatment at the Bazpur government hospital.
Q. What action is the forest department planning?
The department said it would submit a complaint to police under the Forest Act and provisions concerning obstruction of government work and assault.
