7 Arrested in Tahsildar Attack Case

Bhubaneswar: Seven persons have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of Vyasanagar Tahsildar Prashant Kumar Panda, who was allegedly run over by a tractor during an anti-illegal mining operation near Minabazar Chowk under Korei police station limits in Jajpur district.

According to reports, Korei police seized five tractors and two JCB machines that were reportedly being used for illegal soil excavation at the site. The accused have been booked under various sections, including attempt to murder.

The incident occurred on Saturday when the Tahsildar, accompanied by his team, conducted a raid following a tip-off about unauthorised soil lifting from a pond in the area. As officials intervened and questioned those involved in the activity, the situation escalated.

In an attempt to flee the spot, miscreants allegedly turned violent. One of the accused reportedly rammed a tractor into the Tahsildar, running him over in what police described as a deliberate attempt to kill him and evade arrest.

Panda sustained serious injuries in the attack. He was initially taken to the Korei Community Health Centre and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment. His condition is stated to be critical but stable.

Police have intensified their investigation into the incident and are examining the involvement of others linked to the illegal mining operation.