A significant operation has commenced in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, to address illegal occupation of forest land in the Amakhujri forest following an attack on eight forest guards during an anti-encroachment drive. More than 600 personnel from various departments, aided by 30 JCB machines, are involved in reclaiming the encroached land.
The operation was initiated after a clash where a flying squad of the Forest Department was reportedly assaulted by about 400 encroachers while attempting to prevent fresh cultivation on forest land. The attackers, including women positioned at the front, hurled stones and wooden sticks at the team, resulting in injuries to the forest guards.
Security measures have been heightened to prevent further violence, with the deployment of women police personnel wearing protective gear at the site. Despite a minor incident involving a tear gas canister, the operation has progressed smoothly, with around 30% of the encroached area already cleared.
Additional Superintendent of Police Mahendra Tarnekar stated that the joint operation, comprising forest personnel and police officers, has encountered no resistance so far. The district authorities, including Collector Rishabh Gupta and Superintendent of Police Agam Jain, are actively overseeing the operation to ensure its success.
Efforts are ongoing to identify those responsible for the attack on the forest guards, with the department seeking permanent police protection for future anti-encroachment activities. Legal action has been initiated, with an FIR filed against nine individuals involved in the assault, as the operation continues under tight security.
