Viral hunting video leads to violent attack on forest team; 4 held

Yadgir

A routine operation to crack down on illegal wildlife hunting turned violent in Yadgir district when a gang of suspected poachers allegedly attacked and tortured forest officials who had gone to arrest them. The shocking incident took place in a forest area near Kakkera village in Surpur taluk and has sent shockwaves through the Forest Department. The case surfaced after videos showing the hunting of a wild boar were circulated on social media platforms. Forest officials launched an investigation and traced the individuals suspected of being involved in the illegal activity.

A team comprising Range Forest Officer Bhagappagouda and forest guards Lal Ahmed and Kashinath Rathod visited the area to take action against the accused. However, the operation took an unexpected turn when the suspects allegedly surrounded the officials and attacked them. According to preliminary reports, the accused overpowered the forest personnel, tied them to a tree, and assaulted them with sticks. The officials were allegedly beaten repeatedly despite identifying themselves as government officers carrying out lawful duties.

The attack left RFO Bhagappagouda with serious injuries. He was immediately shifted to a private hospital in Kalaburagi for advanced treatment. The two forest guards also sustained injuries during the assault. The incident has exposed the risks faced by forest officials while tackling wildlife crimes and illegal hunting networks operating in remote regions. Forest Department sources described the assault as one of the most serious attacks on enforcement personnel in recent times.

Police have registered a case against 11 individuals at Kodakal Police Station under various sections related to assault, obstruction of public servants, and wildlife offences. Acting swiftly, investigators arrested four of the accused and produced them before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody. Search operations are continuing to locate the remaining suspects who are on the run. Authorities are also examining the viral videos and collecting digital evidence to strengthen the case against the accused.

Senior officials have vowed strict action, stating that attacks on government officers will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The Forest Department is expected to seek enhanced protection measures for field staff engaged in anti-poaching operations.