Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): In a major move by forest officials, 91 people were arrested for trying to encroach forest land in Sarmeshwar area in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.
The incident took place on the intervening night of October 3. The officials also seized 70 axes, 25 bows, 124 arrows, 10 slings, 4 scythes, ration material, 27 mobiles, about one lakh rupees from their possession.
All the arrested people are residents of Kajalmata, Surtipur and Chikhalya village of Barwani district.
The action was taken by the Forest Department after a tip-off and a large number of officials were deployed to the area. The flying squads were constantly patrolling the area.
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Meanwhile, a vehicle (MP 46 BA 5035) from Bhagiapur going towards Sarmeshwar forest was stopped and subsequently searched.
Upon searching, 16 people were found in the vehicle including the two main accused.
After questioning by the officials they revealed that a loading vehicle (MP 46 G 0560) was behind them and it is carrying 74 people. It was intercepted between Khandwa-Singot and both the vehicles were taken to the Khalwa forest fair field office.
The accused had come with all the preparations to encroach the land.
The two main accused had earlier carried out similar activities in the forest area on September 7.
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The accused are being interrogated, a case has been registered against them under various sections of the Forest Act.
Meanwhile, all the accused were screened for COVID-19.
