Odisha: Man, Son Arrested For Setting Forest Ablaze

Boudh: A man and his son were arrested for allegedly setting a forest ablaze at Madhapur in Boudh district on Monday. The accused duo identified as Asan Majhi and his son Shyamghan, residents of Madhapur Colony sahi were setting dry leaves on fire in Mundeswar reserve forest under Madhapur range.

Axes and match box have been seized from them.

Saroj Mishra, Madhapur Ranger said "Our forest personnel found smoke emanating from four to five places Mundeswar reserve forest during patrolling. They immediately rushed to the spot where the accused father and son were setting the forest afire. The duo started running to escape the forest patrolling team. Our squad chased them and arrested the father, son-duo. Later, they were produced before a court."

Earlier on March 13, four persons were arrested on similar charges in Purunakatak range in the district while two other were arrested from Subarnagiri forest under Manamunda range yesterday. A gun was also seized from them.

In a similar crackdown on March 11, three persons had been arrested on charges of setting fire at Ranjagada reserve forest in Dhenkanal district. A special team led by Kamakhyanagar Range Officer (East) Satya Narayan Sahoo had carried out raids to arrest the trio.

A poacher had been held for setting forest afire at Podadiha range near Udala in Mayurbhanj district last week.