Forest officer attacked by ‘sand mafia’ in Mohali, critical at PGI

Forest officer Davinder Singh was seriously injured after allegedly being attacked by sand mafia in Majri block of Mohali at a naka at 3am on Tuesday.

Davinder was admitted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, (PGIMER) Chandigarh, where he underwent a brain surgery. His condition is said to be critical. Four others of the forest department, who were accompanying Davinder at the naka, also sustained injuries in the attack. Reports say there were around seven-eight goons who launched the attack.

As per sources, forest officials had set up a naka near Seonk village in Majri block in Kharar and had intercepted a tractor-trolley loaded with sand, following which, its occupants assaulted the officers. Police said Davinder had a tip-off about smuggling of Khair tree-wood and had set up the naka for the same.

“The forest officer was attacked and is presently undergoing treatment at PGIMER,” said Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, deputy commissioner, Mohali. A search operation to nab the accused has been launched, he said.

(to be updated)