29 held for assault on police, forest officials during plantation drive in Adilabad

A total of 29 villagers have been arrested for attacking police and forest staff during a plantation drive in Adilabad's Keshavapatnam. A case of attempt to murder was filed against 30 persons. The prime accused remains absconding. More arrests are likely.

Adilabad: As many as 29 persons have been arrested so far on charges of pelting stones and attacking policemen and Forest officials during a plantation drive conducted by the Forest Department at Keshavapatnam village in Echoda mandal on July 19.

According to police, 29 villagers were apprehended for their involvement in the assault on seven policemen and several forest officials. A case of attempt to murder has been registered against 30 persons. Altaf, identified as the prime accused, is absconding. Police said more arrests are likely, with eight persons already taken into custody on July 21.

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Sources said between 30 and 40 villagers were initially detained after the violent incident. Officials are treating the attack seriously, citing a growing trend of lawlessness in the area. Police said strict action would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Fresh tension prevailed on Sunday when locals, including women, allegedly pelted stones at forest staff escorted by police personnel. The clash occurred during another plantation drive on Forest Department land on the village outskirts.

Some attackers were reportedly armed with sticks, sickles, and swords. Eleven officials, including a Sub-Inspector, sustained injuries in the assault.