Patiala, July 3

A sub divisional officer (SDO), junior engineer (JE) and the field staff of the Department of Water Resources were reportedly attacked by some farmers at a village in Nabha block of the district. The team of the department was on a round to curb water thefts by farmers.

Following the incident, the SDO today filed a written complaint with the police to take action against suspects. In the complaint, the SDO stated that he, along with his staff, was on routine checking to stop water thefts from minor canals. They were waylaid and attacked by farmers near the Ramgarh canal, the SDO added.

Officials were reportedly attacked with hoe tool and sticks. In the attack, the JE received a fracture on his left arm and is presently under treatment at a private hospital in Patiala.

Notably, the Irrigation Department has increased raids to stop water thefts amid the ongoing paddy season. It has been learnt that incidents of water thefts have increased to a great deal these days because farmers are not getting enough power supply to run tube wells for irrigating paddy.

In complaint, the SDO has named a farmer, who has been identified as Shamsher Singh. The SDO alleged that Shamsher, along with his accomplices, attacked them.

The Nabha Sadar SHO Sukhwinder Singh Gill, said they had registered a case against suspect under Sections 353, 186, 332, 430 and 307 (Attempt to murder), IPC. “The SDO has been discharged while the JE is under treatment at a hospital,” he added.—TNS