Tension in Mulugu as tribals clash with forest, police personnel

Tension prevailed at Chalpaka in Eturunagaram mandal in the district on Monday as tribals who have put up huts in reserve forest lands clashed with forest officials and police

Mulugu: Tension prevailed at Chalpaka in Eturunagaram mandal in the district on Monday as tribals who have put up huts in reserve forest lands clashed with forest officials and police.

As many as 80 forest department officials, staff along with 20 policemen reached the village and tried to remove the huts. The irate tribals prevented the demolition of huts by blocking the JCBs.

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A large number of tribal men and women revolted against the forest and police personnel with sticks and knives besides hurling invectives at them. One of the tribals poured petrol on himself to die by suicide if the huts were demolished. During the melee petrol was poured on a forest staff.

The tribals warned that they would launch agitations if the huts were demolished. Unable to control the angry mob forest, police personnel returned from the site.