Miscreants Open Fire At Forest Patrol In Odisha’s Boudh; 2 Injured

Boudh: Two forest watchers were critically injured when unidentified miscreants fired several rounds at a patrolling team vehicle in Odisha’s Boudh district late on Tuesday.

The injured, identified as Nilanchal Pradhan (29) of Sarandavillage and Naba Kumar Sahu (23) of Badabag village, were initially admitted to the district headquarters hospital. Nilanchal received two bullet injuries on his shoulder, was later shifted to VIMSAR in Burla as his condition deteriorated. Naba was hit on his back.

According to sources, a team of five forest officials and guards ACF Ashish Kanhar were patrolling in Baghiapada area under Boudh Forest Range in an SUV. As the patrolling party reached Khaliapalli, four unidentified people came on a bike and fired 4-5 rounds of bullets at the vehicle.

Boudh DFO Debaprya Kampa said that the miscreants attacked the patrolling party around 1.30 am. While an investigation is underway, the attackers are yet to be identified,

Meanwhile, police have been deployed at the spot.

It is being suspected that wildlife mafia could be involved in the firing incident since patrolling is being conducted to check poaching and ganja farming.