Eight Arrested in Odisha for Assaulting Revenue Officer During Illegal Mining Raid

Police Action Following Assault on Revenue Officer

Balasore: Authorities have detained eight individuals linked to the assault on a revenue department officer in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, which occurred on June 2 while he was performing his official duties.

According to Satyajit Naik, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police for the eastern range, Bhima Kanta Majhi, the additional tahasildar of Kaptipada, was attacked while en route to investigate illegal mining activities.

The assailants also vandalized his vehicle during the incident.

Following the officer's report, Kaptipada police initiated a case, naming 12 suspects in the First Information Report (FIR). So far, eight of these individuals have been apprehended, as stated by Naik.

The police are actively pursuing the remaining suspects.

The DIG noted that the additional tahasildar, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, faced public humiliation with derogatory comments regarding his caste.

In response, a case has been filed under various sections of the BNS and the SC & ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, with the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Udala overseeing the investigation.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to ensure justice is achieved. Our commitment is to hold all offenders accountable," Naik emphasized.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the press that two suspects were apprehended in Jamshedpur, while others were caught in various locations within Mayurbhanj district on Monday.

Police teams have been dispatched across Odisha and beyond to capture the remaining suspects, he added.

"I want to send a clear message to all sand mafias that no one will escape justice, including those orchestrating from behind the scenes," he warned.