AP: CPI(M) leader, others held for attack on forest officials

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Eleven persons, including a local CPI(M) leader, were today arrested in connection with the murder of a Forest Range Officer (FRO) in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh, police said.
The CPI(M) Dharpally mandal Secretary, Vadde Bhaskar, allegedly instigated the attack on forest officials on Sept.15 near Nallavelli village of the district, police said.
A group of villagers had assaulted the forest officials with sticks and axes. FRO M Gangaiah (42) sustained severe injuries to his head and died on the spot while seven forest guards were also injured.
Gangaiah and others had gone to the village upon receiving information that the villagers had occupied a portion of the forest land and started ploughing it for farming.

"Out of the 36 accused (in connection) with the attack, we today arrested 11 persons who were on the run since the incident, including CPI(M) leader Bhaskar," said Nizamabad District Superintendent of Police KV Mohan Rao.
The accused were booked on charges of murder, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, assault and deterring a public servant from discharging his duties under the Indian Penal Code as also under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and AP Land Grabbing Act, the SP said.