Forest officer killed, seven injured in attack by villagers

A Forest Range Officer (FRO) was killed and seven other officials were injured in an attack allegedly by a group of villagers in Andhra Pradesh's Nizamabad district, police said today.
The incident occurred at about 12.30 AM when the Dichpalle FRO along with 11-member forest staff went to Nallavelli village of K K Thanda (hamlet) of Dharpally mandal on an information that villagers had occupied forest land and begun cultivation, Nizamabad District Superintendent of Police K V Mohan Rao told PTI.
"A group of villagers assaulted the forest officials with sticks and axe in which FRO Gangaiah (42) sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot, while seven others who also suffered injuries in the incident were rushed to Nizamabad government hospital," the SP said.

The forest officials found that the villagers had begun ploughing on the forest area, he said.
Four villagers were arrested in connection with the attack and special teams were formed to nab others accused, police said, adding they have registered a case of murder and under other relevant sections of Indian Penal Code.
A forest official, who was injured in the incident and undergoing treatment at the hospital said they were attacked with sticks and axe by the group of villagers, who also threw chilly powder on them before fleeing, and their vehicle was also damaged.
Senior forest and police officials rushed to the village and were monitoring the situation.