As many as six officials attached to the Tanigebailu range of the Forest Department were allegedly assaulted by timber smugglers near Saidukhan village in Tarikere taluk on Sunday night. The officers attacked are forest officials. They are Praharsha Kumar, deputy range forest officer, Raghavendra, forest guard, Vasanth Kumar, Sampreeth, Mahesh – all forest guards and driver Ravi.
They were on night patrol and reached Saidu Khan village based on a tip off about illegal tree cutting in the area. They encountered a group who had allegedly made preparations to carry trees they had already cut. The alleged timber smugglers picked up an argument with the staff and assaulted them, before fleeing. The officials were hit with sticks.
The attackers were all said to be residents of Saidu Khan village.
The officials have filed a complaint with Lingadahalli police against Prem, Sharath, Ravichandra and Bala. A few villagers were allegedly involved in the incident.
The Lingadahalli police registered a case on Monday on charges of causing hurt, criminal intimidation, preventing public servants from discharging duties among other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. So far, nobody has been arrested.
