Tribal couple 'assaulted by forest personnel' in Odisha

In a troubling incident from Palasadangi village under Kankadahada police limits under Kamakhyanagar East range of Dhenkanal district, alleged violence by Forest department staff against a tribal couple surfaced on Tuesday.

According to sources, the tribal couple identified as Sada Padhan and Jyotsna Padhan from the village were mistaken for ‘timber thieves’ and subsequently beaten by the staff.

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The couple was reportedly found in the forest during an operation targeting illegal logging activities. Believing them to be part of this illicit practice, forest staff purportedly attacked the husband and wife, employing sticks as weapons.

The alleged assault left both of them with severe injuries, necessitating medical treatment at Kamakhyanagar health facility. Details indicate that Sada Padhan bore deep lacerations across his back, thighs, and arms due to the attack.

When contacted, injured Sada Pradhan said, “We husband-wife had gone to the forest to collect firewood. Some other persons were felling trees when the forest personnel reached near us. The mafias fled from the spot and we were caught instead.”

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At least four forest personnel beat us black and blue, the elderly man alleged.

“They also kicked my husband severely and threatened us with dire consequences if we did not admit to their allegation,” the tribal woman expressed.

Neither the Forest department nor the associated range office issued any official statement or public comment regarding the incident.