Nagpur: In a bizarre incident, range forest officer (RFO) Nilesh Gawande and forest guard Premdas Bhakre posted at Bor Tiger Reserve, 70km from here in Wardha district, were attacked by unruly tourists on Wednesday.
According to sources, Mahesh Thakur, Swapnil Talwekar, Mangesh Ramteke, and four others, all residents of Wardha, arrived at the booking counter at Bor gate around 3.30pm in three private vehicles and wanted to enter the park in these vehicles though entry to private vehicles is banned.
When Bhakre told the youths that safari in private vehicles is not allowed and they will have to hire Gypsies, the accused abused the guard and asked him to come out of the counter.
When the guard stepped out, he was assaulted by the youths. The accused then turned to RFO’s quarter next door and manhandled Gawande. The accused held the RFO by his collar and also abused him when he tried to pacify the youths. The accused even issued life threats to the duo. Guides and Gypsy drivers intervened and saved the situation.
Later, Gawande approached Selu police and lodged a complaint. The police have registered an FIR and are investigating. Talking to TOI, police inspector Prashant Kale said, “A team has already been sent to nab the accused.”
Meanwhile, guides association and forest staff in Bor have threatened to close the park if the accused are not arrested within 24 hours. “We will not accompany tourist vehicles. December is the peak season and all wildlife parks are witnessing a rush. The strike would cause huge disappointment to visitors,” said a section of guides.