TUESDAY, MAY 07, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: All Goa Forest Executive Employees Association (AGFEEA) on Friday condemned the assault on forest officials by Caranzol-Sattari locals and demanded strict action against those involved from the government authorities.
A press release the issued by Range Forest Officials stated that on May 12, 2021, at the Mhadhei Wildlife Sanctuary, while on routine patrolling duty, passing through the Caranzol village, they noticed some illegally stacked forest produce at Kadhredhat, Caranzol. Upon enquiring, a local along with around 60 others forming unlawful assembly (violating Section 144 of CrPC), forcibly dragged one Forest Officer out of the government vehicle and assaulted him with sharp weapons with the intent of lethal assault.
“The villagers used abusive language and physically stopped the officials from performing their official duty. The government vehicle was also damaged in the process”, said the release.
Tejaswini Pulusuri, Assistant Conservator of Forests, a Gazetted Officer from the Wildlife Division of the Forest Department was also present.
“This incident is unwarranted from the responsible citizen of the said village amounting to criminal non-bailable offence. The Forest Officials were performing their Bonafide Government duty of protection of valuable forest wealth for which they are duty bound and any such opposition and assaults will demoralise them in performing their official duty,” it further stated.
“The same would result in gross destruction of the natural forests and wildlife in particular. Therefore, this association strongly condemns the unlawful action of the villagers in Caranzol, Sattari. Appropriate action should be taken by the concerned authorities,” the RFO release said.
