Tribal farmers attack two forest officers over RoFR land dispute in Kothagudem

Two forest officials were attacked with sickles by migrant tribals in Aswapurampadu village, Karakagudem mandal, after they objected to the use of mechanised harvesters on RoFR lands. The officials sustained minor injuries and later filed a police complaint.

Kothagudem: Migrant tribals attacked two forest officials with sickles at Aswapurampadu village in Karakagudem mandal of the district on Friday.

According to sources, the local forest beat officer Kotesh went to the village and told the podu farmers not to operate mechanised harvesters in RoFR (Recognition of Forest Rights) lands. But the farmers did not comply and started hurling invectives at him.

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As the situation turned tense the beat officer informed the section officer Govindu. When he reached the spot, the tribals surrounded them and some of the tribals who were drunk attacked them with sickles.

The section officer Govindu suffered a minor injury and both the officials managed to escape from the angry tribals. Later they went to the local PHC for treatment and lodged a complaint with Karakagudem police regarding the incident.