8 held on charges of attempting to kill Tehsildar, Addl Tehsildar

Khurda: Police today arrested eight persons in connection with the attack on two Tehsildars and one Additional Tehsildar allegedly after the trio conducted raids on seven illegal stone quarries near Patrapada area under Tangi block of Khurda district.

Acting on a tip-off, eight platoon forces led by SP raided Badapokharia village and nabbed the eight accused in the incident.

Reportedly, Tangi Tehsildar, Khurda Tehsildar and Additional Tehsildar of Chilika had conducted raids on as many as seven illegal stone mines in Patrapada area. Later, one truck, tractor and a JCB machine were also seized from the area.

However, while returning from the spot, the trio was intercepted by around 50 miscreants reportedly belonging to mafia involved in illegal stone quarrying and allegedly attacked by them. The mafia then took away the seized machines and vehicles from the officials forcefully and later attempted to crush them under the JCB machine, informed sources.

Following the incident, a complaint was lodged against 40 persons at Nirakarpur police station. Police had earlier detained one person in connection with the incident while further probe is on.