*Debashish Datta
Failed to smuggle out timber, miscreants vented their ‘anger’ on an in-charge of a SPO camp at Unakoti district in Tripura. The assault left the in-charge critically injured.
As the security personnel with the help of forest personnel and SPO jawans foiled timber smuggling bid, angry miscreants attacked Hirachhara SPO camp at Kailashahar under Unakoti district in Tripura on Tuesday and severely thrashed the in-charge Kadar Ali. The assailants snatched motorcycle, flashlights and other belongings of the camp in-charge. Two people have been arrested by the Police. Nine more have been identified.
Local sources said, miscreants were engaged in smuggling timber from remote Hirachhara, Kalaigiri and other areas to other States and neighbouring Bangladesh for quite a long time. Even as Police of Irani PS and Kailashahar Forest department was well informed about the activities of the smugglers, they were unable to nab the miscreants. It was alleged, smugglers were enjoying local people’s support and co-operation making it difficult for Police to catch the miscreants.
However, Forest department Beat office of Hirachhara, based on secret information, stopped a timber loaded Maruti Van on Tuesday evening. Initially, driver and smugglers fled away only to return at the Beat office with more people. Miscreants were preventing forest personnel from seizing the vehicle, Large contingent of the Police force and TSR jawans led by OC Alamgir Hussain of Irani PS along with the Kailashahar Forest department officer reached the spot and recovered the timber loaded vehicle from the clutches of miscreants after a prolong attempt.
As the Police were escorting the seized vehicle, smugglers attacked the Hirachhara SPO camp and started assaulting in-charge of the camp, Kadar Ali. Police rush to the SPO camp and faced tough resistance from the miscreants and local people. After a scuffle, Police rescued injured Ali and Police arrested two persons identified as Akbar Ali and Maskar Ali. Police also seized two motorbikes.
Speaking to media, OC Alamgir Hussain said, Police have started an investigation – already two persons were arrested and nine miscreants were identified. Police are looking for the owner of the timber carrying vehicle, Riyaz Ali.
Meanwhile, Kadar Ali has been shifted to Unakoti District Hospital with serious injuries.Â
*Debashish Datta may be contacted at [email protected]
