Villagers Attack Forest Officials During Bid To Rescue Pangolin

Malkangiri: At least 12 officials of the forest department including a Ranger sustained multiple injuries after they were reportedly attacked by a group of villagers in Malkangiri district on Friday.

As per reports, a team of the forest department had reportedly gone to Namakonda village to rescue a pangolin when the incident occurred.

The raid was conducted after the forest officials got information that some agents are planning to sell the pangolin and a deal was being finalised at the spot.

Acting on the tip-off, a team of 15 forest personnel led by Malkangiri ranger Basudev Nayak conducted a raid at the village. However, the team was attacked by over 25 persons wielding wooden logs, axe and sticks.

Following the incident, a case has been registered at Malkangiri police station and further investigation is underway.

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