Tribal Youth Allege Assault by Forest Officer, Triggers Protest In Telangana Village

Forest Range Officer Godari Lakshminarayana of Indhanpally Forest Range in Jannaram Mandal has been suspended by senior forest officials following allegations that he assaulted five tribal youths in Telangana's Mancherial district.

The suspension came after an official inquiry into the incident, which had earlier triggered protests and a highway blockade by tribal communities.

Tension had prevailed in the village after tribal families and community members staged a road blockade demanding action against the officer.

It is alleged that the youths went to a stream in the Indhanpally forest area with fishing nets and Indhanpally Forest Range Officer Godari Lakshminarayana abused the youths, beat them with a baton and detained them. Tribals have alleged that the youths were humiliated during the incident.

Several videos of the incident became viral triggering a protest outside the Indhanpally Forest Department office on Monday. Tribal community members also blocked the Mancherial-Adilabad-Nirmal highway, demanding the suspension of the officer and action against those responsible.

Local Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju Patel also took cognisance and spoke to senior Forest Department officials and sought action within 24 hours. Following an assurance from the department that the allegations would be examined and appropriate action taken, the protesters called off their agitation late in the night.

Senior forest department authorities have since ordered the suspension of Lakshminarayana following an official inquiry into the allegations, pending further investigation.

The Forest Department's inquiry is expected to determine the facts behind the allegations and whether further disciplinary action is required against the officer.