Investigation Launched After Shooting Incident Involving Forest Officials in Golaghat
Shooting Incident Overview
Forest officials and Police force visiting injured victim (Photo: AT)
Golaghat, Aug 1: Authorities are currently investigating a shooting incident involving personnel from the Forest Department near Numaligarh, which resulted in injuries to three young men. Conflicting narratives have emerged from both the victims and the forest officials regarding the event.
The injured individuals have been identified as Intajul Ahmed, Bikash Orang, and Bishnu Sahu, who suffered gunshot wounds to their hands, back, and legs. They are receiving medical care at Kushal Konwar Civil Hospital in Golaghat.
Additionally, a forest official named Jayanta Bora reported injuries from alleged stone-throwing during the incident and is also undergoing treatment.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police seized a firearm purportedly used in the shooting, along with two live rounds, from the Bokial Range Forest Office on Saturday.
Both parties have filed separate FIRs at the Bogijan Police Station, according to officials.
The incident occurred on Friday night in the Shyamraipur-Sundarpur region along the Daigruang River, where Forest Department personnel were engaged in operations against suspected illegal sand mining activities.
Intajul stated that he had previously lodged a written complaint with the Golaghat Forest Division on Thursday regarding illegal sand mining in the vicinity.
He alleged that while he and his companions were approaching the riverbank on Friday night, Forest Department personnel opened fire without any prior warning.
"Intajul and Bikash joined me, and we decided to sit near the riverbank. We were under trees scrolling through our phones when the shooting occurred," Bishnu Sahu recounted.
In contrast, the Forest Department has denied the allegations. A forest official involved in the operation claimed that they received information around 10:30 PM on Friday about illegal sand mining activities in Sundarpur.
"Upon arrival, we observed 15 to 20 individuals illegally extracting sand and loading it into vehicles. As soon as we approached, they began throwing stones at us," the official asserted.
According to the official, two shots were fired in self-defense, and it is possible that one of the bullets struck the victims. He also mentioned that the department had filed an FIR and that the firearm used in the incident had been confiscated by the police.
Another official from the Forest Department stated that he had independently confirmed the presence of illegal sand mining in the area after receiving information from one of the injured individuals.
"One of the victims informed me that they had filed a complaint about illegal sand mining on Thursday and were shot on Friday. Upon visiting the site, I found tire marks from vehicles. It is absolutely true that illegal sand mining is occurring there," he stated.
Regarding the shooting allegations, the official emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation. "A thorough inquiry into the incident is essential," he remarked.
This incident has raised significant concerns in the Numaligarh area, prompting inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.