PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
A sub-divisional forest officer (Kalsi), Rajeev Naman Nautiyal, was allegedly attacked while trying to stop illegal mining in the Yamuna river area near Kalsi on Friday evening. Police said that FIRs have been registered by both sides at Vikasnagar police station in connection with the incident. The incident took place when the officer was returning home from his office and noticed the alleged illegal mining activity. A video of the incident has also gone viral on social media.
After the incident Nautiyal filed a complaint at Vikasnagar police station against Manish, Pradeep Negi and other unidentified persons for attempt to murder. He also expressed fear of threat to his life from the mining mafia and requested police protection.
According to the complainant, while he crossing the Haripur/Kalsi bridge, he saw a dumper engaged in illegal mining in the reserved forest area where mining is banned. He started taking photos and videos as evidence. He alleged that some people present there began abusing him and objected to the recording. When he asked for valid documents from the dumper owner, the person failed to show any papers and left the spot. He further alleged that another man snatched his phone and threw it on the road when he was asked to cooperate.
Soon after, some people arrived in another vehicle and tried to take away the suspect. When the officer tried to stop them, the driver allegedly drove the vehicle towards him. He was allegedly pushed, beaten with a stick and assaulted by the driver and others present at the spot.
Nautiyal also claimed that one person, who introduced himself as the village head of Badwala, instigated the crowd against him by falsely alleging that he was under the influence of alcohol. To clear the allegation, he gave blood and urine samples for medical testing. He said he also informed the police through the emergency number during the incident.
