11 held for attacking sub-collector in Balasore
11 held for attacking sub-collector in Balasore
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Balasore: Eleven people have been arrested in connection with the attack on Balasore sub-collector Kunal Motiram Chavan and his driver in the northern Odisha district during a drive against illegal sand mining.
While two people were arrested following the incident on Friday, Sahadevkhunta police arrested nine more people on Saturday, according to sources.
Chavan, a 2020 batch IAS officer, and his driver Gagan Bihari Das (50), were attacked by locals and sand mafia near Dahapada village, which is under the jurisdiction of Sahdevkhunta police station.
A group of about a dozen people, including women, threw stones at the officer who was protesting the government's action against illegal sand mining.
Soon after the incident, police launched a massive manhunt for those responsible for the attack. After apprehending two people in connection with the incident, police increased their efforts to apprehend the others, and nine more were apprehended later. According to sources, all of the attackers have been identified.
A large number of police officers have been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incidents. According to a police official, the perpetrators will face harsh punishment.
While the sub-collector received minor injuries, his driver suffered a head injury. He is said to be in good health.
According to sources, the district administration seized a large amount of illegally mined sand, machines used to extract it, and vehicles used to transport it, who added that the sub-collector had gone to the area to inventory the items seized.
According to sources, when the IAS officer noticed a truck loaded with sand on a bridge, a group of people pelted stones at him.
The sub-collector was seen in action mode on Saturday, a day after the incident, as the administration increased its efforts to combat illegal activities in and around Dahapada.
As a result of prohibitory orders issued by the administration under Section 144 of the CrPC, at least three illegal brick kilns were demolished. According to the sources, an adequate police force was deployed in the area, and the Tehsildar of Balasore Sadar monitored the operation on the spot.
