Brave forest guards in northern India injured in shootout with timber Mafia
by Bhagyashree BarmanIn a dramatic confrontation, several forest officers were injured during a shootout with members of the timber mafia in the Peepal Padav range of northern India’s Uttarakhand’s Terai Central Forest Division.
The incident took place in Haldwani of Nainital district and the video went viral on September 7.
Visuals showed the shootout occurred when forest staff tried to intercept mafia members cutting down trees illegally. The situation quickly escalated, leading to gunfire. Despite being outnumbered and facing armed criminals, the forest personnel stood their ground. Several officers were injured in the clash, and some mafia members managed to escape into the thick forest.
According to reports, this region, known for its dense forests and rich biodiversity, faces regular threats from illegal logging operations run by the timber mafia.
Forest officers in India, particularly in states like Uttarakhand with vast and rich forest areas, regularly face dangers from well-armed illegal loggers. These brave officials work under hazardous conditions, often without adequate protection, to safeguard the country’s natural resources. The incident highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for forest personnel and more robust measures to dismantle the timber mafia network.
Authorities in the region have launched an investigation and search operations to apprehend the remaining criminals involved in the shootout. Locals in nearby areas have expressed concerns about the safety of their forests and the personnel who protect them, demanding swift action.