Armed-miscreants torch Kendu leaf godown in Nabarangpur

Nabarangpur: Around 20 armed miscreants allegedly torched a Kendu leaf godown of the Odisha Forest department at Deoband in Chandahandi block of Nabarangpur district late Thursday night.

According to sources, the miscreants arrived at the godown at around 3 AM and set it on fire. At least nine rooms were completely destroyed in the fire.

On being informed, Fire department personnel rushed to the spot and doused the flames. Though the actual reason behind the the incident is yet to be known, the police suspect involvement of Naxals in the incident.

“Around 20 armed miscreants arrived at the godown and questioned the employees. Later, the miscreants barged into the godown and set it on fire,” informed Hemant Kumar Padhi, Umerkote SDPO.

“We suspect involvement of Naxals behind the incident as they were carrying arms with them,” Padhi added.

Till last reports came in, the Forest Department is yet to file a complaint in connection with the incident.