A forest department flying squad conducting a raid on the alleged illegal sale of fledgling parrots was attacked in Bastar on Monday, leaving a ranger and other team members injured.
Incident Details
The incident occurred at Sanjay Market after the forest department received information about the illegal buying and selling of parrot chicks. Acting on the tip-off, flying squad in-charge and ranger Akshay Kashyap arrived at the location with his team and began enforcement action after reportedly finding the chicks being sold.
The raid sparked protests from some individuals present at the market, including a group of traders. The argument quickly escalated into violence, with the accused allegedly seizing Kashyap and his team members, tying them to a pole, and assaulting them.
Police Response and Arrests
Police were alerted and rushed to the scene, managing to bring the situation under control. Two suspects, identified as Vikram Majumdar and Madhusudan Majumdar, were arrested. Authorities stated that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the attack.
Officials confirmed that the case is connected to illegal wildlife trade, and both the forest department and police are conducting a joint investigation. Police officer Leeladhar Rathore said an FIR has been registered based on the ranger's complaint. "Two persons have been arrested and others on the run are being tracked," he stated.
Legal Action
Police indicated that the accused will face charges for obstructing government work, assaulting public servants, and violations under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. The administration has vowed to continue strict action against illegal wildlife trade and those who take the law into their own hands.
