Forest Personnel Attacked by Villagers in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
In a shocking incident that highlights the ongoing tensions between forest authorities and local communities, two Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) personnel and a forest guard sustained injuries after being allegedly attacked by residents of Keeratpur village. The assault took place in the Keeratpur forest beat, which is part of the Gauriphanta forest range within the Palia forest division of Kheri district.
Details of the Violent Confrontation
The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon when forest guard Deepak Kumar, along with STPF head constable Govind Ram and STPF constables Manjit Kumar, Kesar Singh, and Bhaiya Lal, were conducting a routine patrol in the area. During their surveillance, they encountered a group of villagers who were bursting crackers inside the core forest zone, an activity that poses a significant threat to wildlife by causing disturbance and potential harm.
Upon witnessing this violation, the forest personnel immediately intervened, reprimanding the villagers and attempting to drive them out of the protected forest area. However, the situation quickly escalated when the villagers allegedly lost their temper and launched a violent attack. According to the official complaint filed by Deepak Kumar, the assailants brutally thrashed head constable Govind Ram with an iron bar and made aggressive attempts to snatch his rifle, putting the lives of the officials at grave risk.
Escalation and Aftermath of the Attack
The confrontation intensified as residents from adjacent areas were called to the scene, and several women surrounded the forest post, further complicating the efforts of the authorities to control the situation. In the chaos, head constable Govind Ram sustained critical injuries and had to be rushed to a hospital for emergency medical treatment. Constable Manjit Kumar and forest guard Deepak Kumar also suffered minor injuries during the altercation.
In response to this brazen attack, a formal case was registered against the assailants on Monday evening at the Gauriphanta police station. The complaint specifically names two identified individuals, Shyam Lal and Ram Sagar, along with several unidentified accused. The charges filed against them are severe and include:
- Voluntarily causing hurt under section 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Voluntarily causing hurt to a government servant under section 121(1) of the BNS
- Criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty under section 132 of the BNS
- Criminal intimidation under section 351(2) of the BNS
- Intentional insult under section 352 of the BNS
Official Statements and Broader Implications
Deputy director of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Jagdish R, confirmed that the case has been registered and emphasized the seriousness of the incident. "This attack not only endangers the lives of our dedicated forest personnel but also undermines critical conservation efforts in one of India's most important tiger habitats," he stated. The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, which includes the Pilibhit area, is a key component of India's tiger conservation strategy, and such incidents pose a direct threat to the safety of both wildlife and the officials tasked with their protection.
This violent episode underscores the persistent challenges faced by forest authorities in balancing wildlife conservation with the needs and actions of local communities. Bursting crackers in forest areas is particularly detrimental as it can cause severe stress to animals, disrupt their natural behaviors, and even lead to injuries or fatalities among vulnerable species. The attack on the STPF personnel highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures, community engagement initiatives, and stricter enforcement of forest laws to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to take stringent action against the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of protecting both forest personnel and the delicate ecosystems they safeguard. The incident has sparked concerns among conservationists and officials alike, calling for a renewed focus on collaborative efforts to ensure the safety of India's forest reserves and the brave individuals who defend them.
