Dewas, June 13 (IANS) Police have arrested four persons within four hours of an attack on Forest Department personnel during an anti‑encroachment drive in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, officials said on Saturday.

The arrests were made in connection with an incident in Bhil Amla village under Kamalapur police station limits, where a group of villagers allegedly assaulted government officials, damaged public property and obstructed official work during a forest land encroachment removal operation.

According to police, the action was carried out under the directions of Dewas Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlod. Following the incident, multiple police teams launched raids in the village and surrounding areas, leading to the swift arrest of four accused, Shivam Dabar (24), Vishal Bundela (26), Mansaram (50) and Dhannalal Bamaniya (50).

A police official said efforts were continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the violence. He said the accused were arrested within a few hours of the incident and that raids were continuing, with teams deployed to trace the remaining suspects. He added that strict action would be taken against all those involved in attacking government employees and damaging public property.

Police said the incident took place on June 13 when Forest Department officers and staff reached Bhil Amla village to remove alleged encroachments from forest land. During the operation, a group of around 20 to 25 villagers allegedly gathered at the site and opposed the action.

The crowd allegedly attacked the officials with sticks, clubs and stones, injuring five Forest Department employees. The injured personnel were shifted for medical treatment.

The attackers also allegedly vandalised government vehicles and a JCB machine deployed for the encroachment removal exercise, causing substantial damage.

After receiving information about the violence, Bagli Sub‑Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Sanjay Singh Bais, Kamalapur Station House Officer Manoj Singh and Bijwad Outpost In‑charge Vinay Singh Baghel rushed to the spot with police personnel and brought the situation under control.

A case has been registered at Kamalapur police station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Police said further investigation was underway and additional arrests were likely as efforts continued to identify all those involved in the attack.

–IANS

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