Forest officials nearly run over by tractor in Umaria:Had gone to stop illegal sand mining; video emerges, accused on the run

In the forest of Salaiya village, Chandia forest range of Umaria district, the mining mafia attacked the Forest Department team that arrived to stop illegal sand mining. It is alleged that the mafia tried to crush the forest workers with a tractor. The incident took place on Monday evening. The Forest Department had received information about illegal sand mining in the Paniya Nala area. Following this, the team, along with a flying squad, reached the spot. See the complete incident in 4 pictures Sand mafia drove away tractor after seeing forest personnel The team saw two tractor-trolleys filled with sand coming out of the forest. Forest personnel tried to stop them, but the drivers increased the speed of the tractors and turned them towards the forest staff. This was an attempt to crush the forest personnel. During this, chaos ensued, and the accused fled. However, the forest department seized one tractor. Forest personnel assaulted before as well Chandia Area Officer Nilesh Dwivedi stated that the absconding accused are being identified. Legal action will be taken against them. Forest Guard Ramashankar informed that previously, people from the same gang had assaulted him and freed a seized tractor. After the incident, there is anger among the Forest Department employees. Considering the increasing incidents of illegal sand mining and the aggressive attitude of the mafia, the department has spoken of strict action.