Deputy ranger killed by forest mafia in CG, forest minister orders inquiry

India : A deputy ranger, part of a team of forest officials that had gone to stop illegal tree felling in Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh, was killed when the team was attacked. Three others of the forest team have beden injured in the inciedent, which occurred at 250 km from here. Chhattisgarh forest minister Maahesh Gagda has ordered an inquiry into the incident. According to information, acting on a tip off a forest team led by deputy ranger Motilal Kushwaha had gone to stop illegal tree felling in Dharmpur range of Surajpur district, on intervening night of Thursday and Friday. The team was attacked by those involved in the illegal logging. A crowd attacked the forest team with sticks. While the deputy ranger Kushwaha later succumbed to injuries at the spot itself. Three others of the forest team have sustained injuries in the incident. Forest and police officials have rushed to the spot. In the meanwhile Chhhattisgarh forest minister Mahesh Gagda has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Unconfirmed reports say that one of the attackers has been arrested. Further details are awaited. (Source : The Times of India)